Skip to content
Hybrid propulsion systemPart report

2012 Toyota Prius Hybrid propulsion system Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
1%of 424 total for the year
Median mileage
79,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the hybrid propulsion system of the 2012 Toyota Prius, 1% of the 424 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

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

“My husband was driving the car preparing to turn to enter the freeway when the Prius lost all driving power spontaneously at the same time prompted with a warning on the screen 'check hybrid system and park in a safe place'. The car lost all driving power including power steering but my husband was able to glide the vehicle across several lanes to a parked position before the freeway entrance. The car never resumed its ability to drive despite turning it off and an attempt to restart. …”

NHTSA complaint #11082601, filed 2018-04, 79,000 miles

“******* delete voq ******* this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is requested by the consumer that they wish to have it removed. Djr ******* delete voq *******”

NHTSA complaint #11541201, filed 2023-08, 120,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine and the hybrid warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. …”

NHTSA complaint #11680736, filed 2025-08, 137,000 miles

“The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Prius. While driving 60 MPH, the engine stalled. Various warning lights illuminated and a beeping noise was present. The contact's vehicle coasted to a stop and was rear ended by another vehicle. A police report was filed. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the forearm that required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v053000 (electrical system, hybrid propulsion system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. …”

NHTSA complaint #10838647, filed 2016-02, 45,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Hybrid propulsion system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202214%
201611%
201532%
201452%
201382%
201261%
2011102%
2010301%
200830%
200720%
200610%
200530%
200111%

Other parts of the 2012 Toyota Prius

Brakes
200 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsExterior lighting
36 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsEngine
31 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsFuel system
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