Skip to content
Exterior lightingPart report

2012 Toyota Prius Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
36about this part
Share
8%of 424 total for the year
Median mileage
80,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2012 Toyota Prius, 8% of the 424 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have had to replace headlight bulbs multiple times in the past two years. Reading reports, it is the exact same issue as the 2010 and 2011 Prius owners had. I am now having to have my headlight covers resurfaced because my passenger side headlight is not at all visible at night. The dealership is recommending replacing the compartment where the bulb goes.”

NHTSA complaint #11253609, filed 2019-09, 211,000 miles

“Both headlights went off at same time while driving on a highway during night time. As a result the car driving in next lane couldn't see my car in his sideview mirror and almost hit my car when tried to change lane. I escaped the major accident by auto reflexes to move my car to shoulder lane immediately which otherwise could have been fatal.”

NHTSA complaint #11052976, filed 2017-12, 71,250 miles

“Low beam headlamps continually fail, and are very dim even after installing new bulbs. I've had to replace bulbs no less that 4 times since 2012! Not only is this an expense, but more importantly, poses a significant hazard. There is no warning or specific mileage. I've never had to replace headlight bulbs in any other car I've owned. Something must be wrong with the electrical system for this to continually be happening.”

NHTSA complaint #10991721, filed 2017-05, 42,000 miles

“My 2012 Prius had both headlights go out while driving on an interstate. Luckily no damage was done. My dealer ran my VIN to see if Toyota had a warranty extension as it is a well documented voltage problem for the car. I was told that the 2010 and 2011 Prius do have such coverage but the 2012 does not. Seems very shortsighted on Toyota's part. It clearly foreseeable that someone could be harmed or killed and that this issue should be addressed.”

NHTSA complaint #11129900, filed 2018-09, 95,000 miles

“My headlights have burned out so many times I've lost count. Spent close to $600.00 on bulbs. Why is Toyota not being held responsible for this issue? This has happened while just starting the car from parked position to driving down the highway.”

NHTSA complaint #10948548, filed 2017-01, 130,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026233%
202516%
2024415%
2018514%
201722%
201632%
201574%
201463%
2013123%
2012368%
2011489%
20101495%
200911122%
200857939%
20071,06053%
200694165%
200534633%
200418430%
200311%
200232%
200121%

Other parts of the 2012 Toyota Prius

Brakes
200 complaints
Electrical system
52 complaints
Other or unknown
33 complaints
Engine
31 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaints
Air bags
28 complaints
Body and structure
23 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
21 complaints
Steering
13 complaints
Vehicle speed control
13 complaints
Fuel system
11 complaints
Seat belts
11 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Toyota Prius

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology