2012 Toyota Prius Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 8%of 424 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2012 Toyota Prius, 8% of the 424 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,500 miles. 3 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 switched into neutral and pushed the park button to park. I leaned forward to grab my wallet and felt the car accelerating over the parking curb. I immediately slammed the brakes and the car accelerated into a building. I am fortunate to be alive because if the airbag would have activated, I would have broke my neck.”
NHTSA complaint #11301244, filed 2020-01, 57,000 miles“Took my car into dealership because of a noise it would make when I started to brake and when I was stopped at a light. The car would also vibrate and shake. The dealership told me the ABS actuator needed to be replaced which would cost over 4 grand! I couldn't believe it. I'm scared to drive the car now.”
NHTSA complaint #11092318, filed 2018-05, 101,000 miles“The lining on the deflector rubber gasket/seal of the sunroof has been deteriorating. I have heard from many other Prius iii owners that this is a common defect for the 2010-2013 year models. I believe it if is this common, Toyota should be responsible for replacing it.”
NHTSA complaint #11302492, filed 2020-01, 60,000 miles“My passenger side sun visor just completely fell out while driving down the road. It has rarely been used (my car is a 2012 with high miles and most of the time I travel alone). This could have easily caused a distraction or crash. I noticed that there are several complaints about other Toyota models / years.”
NHTSA complaint #10806773, filed 2015-11, 91,000 miles“The design of both honda accord and toyato Prius, and likely othernew model cars, makes it very difficult to see when backing up. The back up camera is placed such that it is easily covered with road debri (dirt and snow) so it often useless. The deisgn of windows, seat and camera do not sufficiently allow one to see over ones left shoulder. Perhaps this is more because I am barely 5'1: and the car's safety forbids using a seat cushion to raise me higher. …”
NHTSA complaint #10958589, filed 2017-03, 38,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate…
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 19% |
| 2024 | 9 | 33% |
| 2023 | 3 | 14% |
| 2022 | 5 | 21% |
| 2021 | 1 | 17% |
| 2020 | 5 | 36% |
| 2019 | 8 | 27% |
| 2018 | 6 | 16% |
| 2017 | 11 | 12% |
| 2016 | 31 | 20% |
| 2015 | 15 | 9% |
| 2014 | 27 | 13% |
| 2013 | 51 | 12% |
| 2012 | 33 | 8% |
| 2011 | 30 | 6% |
| 2010 | 148 | 5% |
| 2009 | 36 | 7% |
| 2008 | 92 | 6% |
| 2007 | 105 | 5% |
| 2006 | 44 | 3% |
| 2005 | 56 | 5% |
| 2004 | 18 | 3% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 5 | 3% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2012 Toyota Prius
200 complaintsElectrical system
52 complaintsExterior lighting
36 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 complaintsSeat 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 30, 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