2012 Toyota Prius C Problems

While driving 65 mph on the expressway on January 12th, 2026 under cruise control, I tapped my brakes to slow down. My brake warning light came on, along with the ABS warning light, and the anti-swerve warning light. Cruise control no longer worked, and my brakes were noticeably hard to apply. I immediately had the vehicle computer checked and the issue is a leaking brake booster component, a faulty part known by Toyota to fail prematurely with this and other Prius models. No recall was issued however. The car is now unsafe to drive until a ~$4000 repair is done, according to my service representative.

Brakes went soft with little braking power. Traced the fault code to a faulty braking actuator; toyota says this is past the coverage date for the recall.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the message "Check Hybrid Status - Stop vehicle in Safe Place Immediately" was displayed. There were several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an internal power module transmitter and MG control computer inside the inverter assembly failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called an independent mechanic, and DTC: P0A94 (DC/DC converter or inverter performance problem invertor assembly) was associated with the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,015.

I am writing to express a complaint regarding the issues I have experienced with the brake system of my Toyota Prius C, 2012 model. For the past several months, I have noticed that the brakes exhibit strange noises, soft pedal sensation, reduced braking efficiency, were driving and the ABS, traction, brake, and that other light turned on and the brakes became slow these issues have been observed on multiple occasions and pose a safety risk to myself, other drivers, and pedestrians. I have taken the vehicle for inspection, but the problems persist or have not been definitively resolved. I believe these faults may be related to defects in the braking system, and therefore I request a thorough inspection and necessary repairs at no cost, considering that the manufacturer could be responsible for manufacturing defects.

While driving 65 mph on the expressway on January 12th, 2026 under cruise control, I tapped my brakes to slow down. My brake warning light came on, along with the ABS warning light, and the anti-swerve warning light. Cruise control no longer worked, and my brakes were noticeably hard to apply. I immediately had the vehicle computer checked and the issue is a leaking brake booster component, a faulty part known by Toyota to fail prematurely with this and other Prius models. No recall was issued however. The car is now unsafe to drive until a ~$4000 repair is done, according to my service representative.

My brakes gave out while driving with my infant child luckily I was almost home and made it without hitting anyone or seriously hurting myself and my child. Had car diagnosed error code c1256. Local dealership won’t repair because I “missed “ recall and my car has salvage title. I cannot afford to fix on my own and I’m shaking as I drive with my child to work everyday praying to get there in one piece because I have to work…

I WAS STOPPED AT A GREEN LIGHT WAITING FOR THE CAR IN FRONT ME; WHEN THEY TURNED LEFT AN ONCOMING CAR SWERVED TO MISS THEM, THEN OVERCORRECTED AND HIT ME. HIT ME HEAD ON; ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE. THEY HIT ME WITH SO MUCH FORCE THEY MOVED MY CAR ALMOST 6 FEET SIDEWAYS. NONE OF THE MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH SUCH FORCE I HAD THE TOYOTA SYMBOL IMPRINTED ON MY CHEST FOR A DAY. (I WAS WEARING 3 LAYERS A JACKET AND 2 SHIRTS).WHY DID NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES WORK?

I WAS STOPPED AT A GREEN LIGHT THE CAR IN FRONT ME TURNED LEFT AN ONCOMING CAR SWERVED TO MISS THEM, THEN OVERCORRECTED AND HIT ME. HIT ME ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE, THEY HIT ME WITH SO MUCH FORCE THEY MOVED MY CAR ALMOST 6 FEET SIDEWAYS. NONE OF THE MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH SUCH FORCE I HAD THE TOYOTA SYMBOL IMPRINTED ON MY CHEST FOR A DAY. (I WAS WEARING 3 LAYERS A JACKET AND 2 SHIRTS).WHY DID NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES WORK? IT WAS IF I WASN'T WEARING A SEATBELT, BUT I DO HAVE HE BRUISES ACROSS MY HIPS SAYING I WAS.

I am writing to express a complaint regarding the issues I have experienced with the brake system of my Toyota Prius C, 2012 model. For the past several months, I have noticed that the brakes exhibit strange noises, soft pedal sensation, reduced braking efficiency, were driving and the ABS, traction, brake, and that other light turned on and the brakes became slow these issues have been observed on multiple occasions and pose a safety risk to myself, other drivers, and pedestrians. I have taken the vehicle for inspection, but the problems persist or have not been definitively resolved. I believe these faults may be related to defects in the braking system, and therefore I request a thorough inspection and necessary repairs at no cost, considering that the manufacturer could be responsible for manufacturing defects.

I was driving on the expressway and experienced a sudden loss of power. The internal combustion engine suddenly stopped and did not deliver any power to the wheels. I immediately received a message on the system that said 'Check Hybrid System Stop Vehicle in a Safe Place'. The electric motor still continued to provide some power with the available battery charge. I was able to make it to the shoulder of the road but it was challenging to get to the shoulder with no power or warning and high speed traffic. My wife and I were in the vehicle. The vehicle had no engine or error codes until the failure on the expressway. The vehicle has the code P0A1A and P0A94. This is consistent with the error codes in the NHTSA 19V491000 recall and Toyota Safety Recalls E0E and F0R.

Seatbelt does not retract or lock properly when braking.

I WAS STOPPED AT A GREEN LIGHT WAITING FOR THE CAR IN FRONT ME; WHEN THEY TURNED LEFT AN ONCOMING CAR SWERVED TO MISS THEM, THEN OVERCORRECTED AND HIT ME. HIT ME HEAD ON; ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE. THEY HIT ME WITH SO MUCH FORCE THEY MOVED MY CAR ALMOST 6 FEET SIDEWAYS. NONE OF THE MY AIRBAGS WENT OFF AND MY SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL WITH SUCH FORCE I HAD THE TOYOTA SYMBOL IMPRINTED ON MY CHEST FOR A DAY. (I WAS WEARING 3 LAYERS A JACKET AND 2 SHIRTS).WHY DID NONE OF THE SAFETY FEATURES WORK?

I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE LIGHT BULB ON MY PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT CONSTANTLY OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. I HEARD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE WIRING HARNESS OF THE 2012 REGULAR PRIUS AND I'M WONDERING IF THE ISSUE HAS BEEN LOOKED AT IN THE PRIUS C MODELS.

THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS BOTH FAIL WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT NIGHT. THE ROAD WENT TO TOTAL DARKNESS. I FEEL LUCKY THE HIGH BEAMS WERE STILL WORKING. I HAVE TAKEN THE PRIUS C TO THE SHOP AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ON DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS HAVE MELTED. THE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED.

A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO MY WIFE PURCHASED A USED 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS C AND LIKE ALL CARS I'M HEARING AFTER 2011 IT'S GOT YOUR CRAPPY HEADREST DESIGN TO SUPPOSEDLY AID IN SAFETY OF WHIPLASH, BUT MY WIFE HAS MINOR SCOLIOSIS AND WE HAVE TO TURN THE HEADREST AROUND BACKWARDS SO IT DOESN'T HURT HER. THAT'S WHAT EVERYONE IS DOING, SO YOU DIDN'T FIX ANYTHING, YOU MADE IT WORSE. THESE ARE NOT A GOOD DESIGN!? WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST MAKE ACTIVE HEADRESTS MANDATORY IN CARS INSTEAD OF PUSHING THEM PERMANENTLY FORWARD? YOU CAN'T TAKE ANY CARS WITH THESE HEADREST ON A LONG DRIVE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO STOP AND GET OUT AND MOVE YOUR NECK AROUND AND HAVE IT SOMETIMES CRACK BECAUSE IT'S IN A STIFF FORWARD POSITION. THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT SAFE AND DEFINITELY NOT COMFORTABLE. YOU'VE GOT TO DO SOMETHING NOW!? I HAVE A 2011 INFINITI G37S COUPE MY HEADRESTS ARE COMFORTABLE AND I AM NOT BUYING ANY CAR AFTER 2011 THAT HAS UNCOMFORTABLE HEADRESTS. WE'VE EVEN GONE AS FAR AS TO START SEARCHING JUNK YARDS FOR HEADRESTS THAT HAVE THE SAME WIDTH BETWEEN THE POSTS SO WE CAN SWAP THEM OUT IN HER CAR.

THE PRIUS C IS MADE IN JAPAN. THEY ARE COATING THE WIRING AND SEAT FOAM WITH SOYBEAN OIL AND PEANUT OIL. MICE ARE NOW EATING THE WIRING AND SEAT FOAM AND ANY ELECTRICAL OR RUBBER PARTS IN THE PRIUS C

I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 PRIUS C AND I'M MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC MY CAR LOST ITS POWER, THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO PARK THE CAR. I GOT IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S THE INVERTER. I ADVISED THAT I HAD READ ON RECALLS ON THEM THEY SAID MY CAR DIDN'T HAVE A RECALL THEY ARE WANTING ME TO PAY 4K FOR A NEW INVERTER ( WHICH I KNOW IT'S THE SAME ISSUE OTHER 2012 PRIUS C HAVE HAD ISSUES TOO). IT'S UPSETTING THAT NO INVESTIGATION IS TAKING PLACE JUST SORRY AND OHH BY THE WAY THE EMPLOYEE AT THE DEALERSHIP HANDLING MY CASE OFFERED ME $200 FOR MY CAR SAID I WOULD NOT GET MORE THAN $400 IF I TRIED SELLING IT LIKE THAT. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND CAN'T EVEN TRUST MY OWN DEALERSHIP.

TRANSAXLE IS FAILING AFTER 100K MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING AND MAINTENANCE. SPOKE WITH BOTH A TOYOTA DEALER AND TRANSMISSION SHOP WHO SAID THE CVT FAILURE ON THIS MODEL YEAR AND THE FOLLOWING SEVERAL IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON OCCURRENCE. THIS IS A $5000+ REPAIR FAIRLY EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP SAID THIS WAS DUE TO POOR INITIAL DESIGN.

WINDSHIELD WAS CHIPPED BY SOME DEBRIS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 55 MPH, THE SIZE WAS HALF A CENTIMETER, IF THAT. THE NEXT MORNING IT TURNED INTO A 6 INCH CRACK AND HAS GROWN EVEN BIGGER IN THE PAST COUPLE WEEKS TO WHERE IT HAS COME TO BLOCK MY VISION. OTHER CARS THAT I HAVE OWNED HAD CHIPS IN THE WINDSHIELD, BUT NEVER DEVELOPED INTO A CRACK. I AM THINKING THE WINDSHIELD IS TOO, TOO, THIN FOR IT TO BE PRACTICAL FOR A VEHICLE TRAVELING HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AMONG OTHER OWNERS. MY BIGGEST CONCERN, IF THE DEBRIS IS A LITTLE LARGER, WILL THE WINDSHIELD PREVENT PENETRATION INTO THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SO AS NO ONE WILL BE HARMED DUE TO A THIN WINDSHIELD? *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS C. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE REAR WINDSHIELD SHATTERED WITHOUT WARRANT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. *TR

PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL BLADDER CAUSING THE GAUGE TO READ INCORRECTLY. THE GAUGE GETS STUCK AT A QUARTER TANK AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, YOU'RE OUT OF GAS. ONCE THIS HAPPENED, IT CAUSED THE HYBRID SYSTEM TO FAIL AND LOCKED THE CAR UP EVEN AFTER PUTTING GAS IN IT. HAS TO DO A MASTER RESET OF THE ENTIRE CAR TO GET IT TO START AGAIN.

WHILE WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT BEHIND TRAFFIC, MY CAR SUDDENLY SURGED. I WAS JUST SITTING THERE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I THOUGHT SOMEONE HAD HIT ME FROM BEHIND, BUT WHEN I LOOKED UP THERE WAS NO CAR BEHIND ME. LUCKILY, I DID NOT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND HAD PUSHED HARDER ON THE BRAKE WHEN I FELT THE SURGE. I DID REPORT THIS WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN TO BE SERVICED, ORR TOYOTA, SEARCY, ARKANSAS. THEY TOLD ME TO TELL THEM IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN. SO FAR IT HAS NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN. *TR

INNER LEFT TIE ROD LOOSE, REVEALED WHEN ANNUAL INSPECTION CONDUCTED. TOYOTA HAS NO PART NUMBER FOR THE INNER TIE ROD (EST PRICE $30.00) SO MUST PURCHASE ENTIRE STEERING ASSEMBLY (PART COST = $1,000; LABOR ABOUT THE SAME).

THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED GENTLY AS THE CAR WAS APPROACHING A STOPPED CAR. THE PRIUS C THEN ACCELERATED, AT WHICH TIME THE BRAKES WERE FIRMLY APPLIED, THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGED, BUT NOT IN ENOUGH TIME FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE PRIUS REAR ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT, ALL AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED CAUSING INJURY TO THE DRIVER, AND THE FRONT END OF THE PRIUS WAS DESTROYED. IT CANNOT BE FIXED AND WILL NEED TO BE SCRAPPED. *TR