2012 Toyota Prius Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 424 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the wheels of the 2012 Toyota Prius, 1% of the 424 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,300 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“More than once I was driving about 40/45mph, once on a curve, anyhow as I was going through the curve it felt as though the brakes engaged, without me touching them. I understand the safety thing, however at both instances it was not necessary. It caused the car to pull to the left. Almost causing me to loose control.”
NHTSA complaint #11279410, filed 2019-11, 75,300 miles“Turning right from a stop sign stop, the car took off in an unintended acceleration and could not be stopped until it hit a curb. The force broke the ball joint of the driver's side wheel causing the wheel to turn approx 45 degrees. The car then skidded about 20 yards and came to a stop with the motor racing. It was a single car crash with no bodily injury.”
NHTSA complaint #10642014, filed 2014-10, 9,300 miles“Vehicle is parked outside, and during morning cold start, the vehicle produces a moaning/wooing sound for approx. 50-75 yards with vehicle moving under 25 MPH. The sound is being generated from the front wheel wells. Sound generated is related to vehicle speed. The faster the vehicle moves, the more frequent the sound being produced during the first 50-75 yards. Strange sound is gone after that, and does not return until the next cool/cold start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10481010, filed 2012-10, 1,000 miles“2012 Prius in very good condition with 180k miles- only 12 years old. Driving on back roads (thankfully) and the drivers side rear wheel compelely fell off while driving. I was doing about 30 MPH and felt like there was a flat tire so I was in the process of pulling over when the whole rear assembly snapped. The wheel hit the rear quarter of the car and bounced about 100 feet down the road. I could have been on the highway and this could have been fatal I believe. Very, Very scary. As can be seen in attached photos the issue was rust from the inside. …”
NHTSA complaint #11634157, filed 2025-01“Unknown. There were a multitude of codes that appeared on the diagnostics causing problems with engine. The temperature, brake, tire sensor lights are all on. The cruise control is not working. White smoke emitting from tail pipe and engine. Main engine coolant leaking. Car overheating rapidly.”
NHTSA complaint #11748670, filed 2026-07Related service bulletins
- 10207946Jan 12, 2022POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept…
- 10177781Jun 23, 2020TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST005-01, SU001-08, and T-SB-0391-08. The aforementioned bulletins are…
- 10164335Jul 3, 2019TSB: Some 2009 ? 2019 model year Toyota vehicles with super chrome wheel finishes may become discolored and/or damaged when aftermarket cleaners, polishes, or brake dust removal…
Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 6% |
| 2024 | 3 | 11% |
| 2023 | 3 | 14% |
| 2021 | 1 | 17% |
| 2020 | 1 | 7% |
| 2019 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 4 | 4% |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 9 | 2% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 1% |
| 2010 | 17 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 6 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 0% |
| 2006 | 3 | 0% |
| 2005 | 3 | 0% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Toyota Prius
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 29, 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