2012 Toyota Prius V Problems

Brake actuator assembly failure on a vehicle with 99,818 miles. Whirring sound when braking followed by lighting of several brake alert lights on dash including PCS and ABS and others. The whirring noise has occured for several weeks, but the light indicators happened on 6/28/26. Toyota has an acknowledged Customer Support Program (20TE07) for this exact failure on this exact and Toyota declined to cover the repair. This vehicle is 14 years old but has well under 150k miles and Toyota will not honor claim though they clearly are aware of the safety hazard.

The ABS system has failed. All brake related warning lights have appeared on the dash board and the ABS no longer works. The car will brake for now, but the pedal is mushy. The issue was diagnosed by a dealer. The diagnosis from the dealer, based on diagnostic trouble codes they did not provide, is that brake fluid is leaking in the master cylinder and brake booster. The recommendation is to have both the master cylinder and booster replaced. This vehicle has 143,000 miles on it. No accidents have occurred as a result of the brakes yet but how long before the brakes ultimately fail is unknown.

Driving down the highway, the engine suddenly threw a rod, causing a terrible jolt, after which the engine burst into flames. There had been no warning lights.

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

On 10-17-24 these warning lights came on: 1. Pre-collision System 2. Hybrid System 3. Airbag 4. Safety Connect red light And Intermittently: 1. Slip Indicator 2. Brake System Cruise control would not set, and displayed "E3". ------- Component failed: Dealer determined that the driver's side door harness had been chewed by a rat that had entered the under dash area "somehow". They said it couldn't be repaired but must be replaced. My insurance deductible was $500 and they paid the balance of the $1,387.06 bill. (I have retained the harness, which could have been repaired by splicing the two wires connecting to the driver's side airbag collision sensor. The labor to splice the wires would have been less than an hour.) ------ Safety: The chewed wire apparently disabled the Airbag, Pre Collision, Emergency Automatic Braking, Seatbelt Pre-Tensioning, ABS, and Stability Systems. ----- The dealer confirmed the problem. ----- My insurance adjuster did inspect the harness. ----- I placed electronic rat traps in the vehicle, which killed three rats. ========= NEXT ========= ALL THE SAME WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON A FEW MONTHS LATER! I didn't throw more money at the Dealer, and took off the panels to inspect the wiring myself. There was damage to the passenger side door harness wires. I removed the harness and ordered a $60 used replacement on Ebay. While waiting for delivery, I researched rat damage to Toyota wires, and how rats could possibly enter the interior of the car. I discovered that there is an UNSCREENED 12x9 inch opening to bring fresh air into the HVAC system. It is hidden under the windshield wiper cowls. Also, there are two UNSCREENED vents in the trunk area. Other Prius owners covered those openings with 1/4 inch metal wire hardware cloth. I spent a few hours disassembling, covering, and reassembling pieces to prevent further access through the fresh air intake, and will do to the rear next. TOYOTA should recall these cars and ratproof the harnesses

Anti lock brake malfunction. Code c1391 leak in brake accumulator. This seems to be a common code for brake issues with Prius. The cost to repair is significant, more than the value of the car. This is a certain safety issue that needs to be addressed. This is clearly a Hazzard and will cost lives to those who cannot afford the cost of repair.

The hybrid system was shut down while driving. The symptoms are like the description in this recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000). However, my VIN is not on the recall list.

In September 2022, my car, a 2012 Toyota Prius V with 79, 056 miles, began making noises in the engine area and the brakes became loose, meaning it took more pressure on the brake pedal to engage the brakes. In November 2022 the following warning lamps on the dashboard came on: Master Warning Light, Brake System Warning Light and Warning Buzzer, Brake System Warning Light, ABS Warning Light and SLIP Indicator. I took it to the Toyota Dealership near me: Lipton Toyota in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and they diagnosed car with the trouble code of C1391-Abnormal Leak of Accumulator, Internal ABS Actuator Failure. To fix this problem, Lipton Toyota will charge $3124.29 for the repair. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. issued a customer support program notification that would cover this repair if the malfunctions happened before coverage ended. Primary Coverage was applicable until December 31, 2021 with no year/mileage limitation. Secondary Coverage was applicable for 10 years from the vehicle's date of first use or 150,000 whichever occurs first. Date of first use on my Prius V was 03/01/2012 and my mileage is 79K. So as you can see, I am just out of the coverage window. My private mechanic and myself have appealed our case to Toyota that this problem should be a recall with no limits on coverage. (Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. - case reference # 230206000678) I believe that if I had driven my car more, (which was not done because of the Pandemic 2020-2021) this issue would have come up before the cut off date for repair coverage. I also believe that this problem with the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies on certain 2012-2014 model year Prius V vehicles should be a recall.

8/2/22 My ABS light came on. Took the car to a dealer. They kept it for six weeks and returned it on 10/3/22. No charge and no explanation. 11/7/22 engine light came on. Took in to dealer, they returned it 11/17/22 indicated incorrect air/ fuel mixture. 10/9/23 Traveling 47 mph, came around a mountain and encountered stopped cars. Slammed on the brakes, car did not slow down, steering wheel locked to the right, car yawed to the right, and turned over, hit a curb and the car righted itself. 3 occupants, 2 injuries , 1 death. Researching the 2012 Toyota Prius, found many instances of a faulty ABS system, mimicking exactly my experience. I was never informed by Toyota or the local Toyota dealer.

Found car tampered with cut in carpet under driver seat to check battery maintenance per Toyota owner manual where hybrid battery was not receiving charge , was running hot Unknown person impersonated me registered my VIN to enroll with Toyota upgraded software app Entune version not with purchase is a 2021 software version with parental like controls, I took to Toyota dealerships below for assistance , new battery and hybrid faulting losing charge, car does not provide hybrid fault notice , loses charge , uses little gas , I researched on side of road to rest throttle and work around as I was driving it could have lost all power and stalled per recall notice needed hybrid software update Ran dr Prius app and finding recalls serviced at Toyota chambers burg pa are coding J0V issue w/inverter not completed and additional engine & battery codes almost causing my car to not enter fail safe mode hybrid battery almost fully discharged as approaching Bay Bridge Service notes from Fitzgerald day there were no issues specific repair request was for diagnostic report of car hybrid battery and sensor check, they claim no issue Only repair was replaced fob key although car at location 10 days, missing fuses found upgrade causes car to get 2-4mpg and burn battery hot/discharge without any dash or other warnings from car Safety recall notice no. 18v-684 are indicative of car symptoms Since incident Easton Md Toyota Service, Arlington Va Koons, Hagerstown MD Toyota and chambers burg refused to provide diagnostics Chambers burg held car did not perform service claiming no issues but noted cut carpet under driver seat above hybrid air vent battery cool/ intake Problem still an issue no Toyota will run diagnostics -

On 10-17-24 these warning lights came on: 1. Pre-collision System 2. Hybrid System 3. Airbag 4. Safety Connect red light And Intermittently: 1. Slip Indicator 2. Brake System Cruise control would not set, and displayed "E3". ------- Component failed: Dealer determined that the driver's side door harness had been chewed by a rat that had entered the under dash area "somehow". They said it couldn't be repaired but must be replaced. My insurance deductible was $500 and they paid the balance of the $1,387.06 bill. (I have retained the harness, which could have been repaired by splicing the two wires connecting to the driver's side airbag collision sensor. The labor to splice the wires would have been less than an hour.) ------ Safety: The chewed wire apparently disabled the Airbag, Pre Collision, Emergency Automatic Braking, Seatbelt Pre-Tensioning, ABS, and Stability Systems. ----- The dealer confirmed the problem. ----- My insurance adjuster did inspect the harness. ----- I placed electronic rat traps in the vehicle, which killed three rats. ========= NEXT ========= ALL THE SAME WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON A FEW MONTHS LATER! I didn't throw more money at the Dealer, and took off the panels to inspect the wiring myself. There was damage to the passenger side door harness wires. I removed the harness and ordered a $60 used replacement on Ebay. While waiting for delivery, I researched rat damage to Toyota wires, and how rats could possibly enter the interior of the car. I discovered that there is an UNSCREENED 12x9 inch opening to bring fresh air into the HVAC system. It is hidden under the windshield wiper cowls. Also, there are two UNSCREENED vents in the trunk area. Other Prius owners covered those openings with 1/4 inch metal wire hardware cloth. I spent a few hours disassembling, covering, and reassembling pieces to prevent further access through the fresh air intake, and will do to the rear next. TOYOTA should recall these cars and ratproof the harnesses

Broken bones in face. Nose split in two parts Eye socket broken along with cornea messed up. Broken ribs. Bleeding spleen. Broken neck.

Found car tampered with cut in carpet under driver seat to check battery maintenance per Toyota owner manual where hybrid battery was not receiving charge , was running hot Unknown person impersonated me registered my VIN to enroll with Toyota upgraded software app Entune version not with purchase is a 2021 software version with parental like controls, I took to Toyota dealerships below for assistance , new battery and hybrid faulting losing charge, car does not provide hybrid fault notice , loses charge , uses little gas , I researched on side of road to rest throttle and work around as I was driving it could have lost all power and stalled per recall notice needed hybrid software update Ran dr Prius app and finding recalls serviced at Toyota chambers burg pa are coding J0V issue w/inverter not completed and additional engine & battery codes almost causing my car to not enter fail safe mode hybrid battery almost fully discharged as approaching Bay Bridge Service notes from Fitzgerald day there were no issues specific repair request was for diagnostic report of car hybrid battery and sensor check, they claim no issue Only repair was replaced fob key although car at location 10 days, missing fuses found upgrade causes car to get 2-4mpg and burn battery hot/discharge without any dash or other warnings from car Safety recall notice no. 18v-684 are indicative of car symptoms Since incident Easton Md Toyota Service, Arlington Va Koons, Hagerstown MD Toyota and chambers burg refused to provide diagnostics Chambers burg held car did not perform service claiming no issues but noted cut carpet under driver seat above hybrid air vent battery cool/ intake Problem still an issue no Toyota will run diagnostics -

WHEN I BRAKE THE CAR SHAKES A NOTICEABLE TYPE OF SHAKE AND STARTS TO MAKE A WEIRD STALLING NOISE.

The hybrid system was shut down while driving. The symptoms are like the description in this recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000). However, my VIN is not on the recall list.

WHILE DRIVING IN INTERSTATE TRAFFIC THE CAR LOST POWER AND WOULD ONLY GO 11MPH. WHEN I GOT TO A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER THE HYBRID SYSTEM SHOWED FAILURE AND SEVERAL OTHER WARNING LIGHTS. THE CAR HAD A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR POWER MANAGEMENT COMPLETED IN 4/2019. THIS IS AN INVERTOR FAILURE

My 2012 Toyota Prius V went out and had no control crashing into the curb on the passenger side. Scraping the side of my car. My ABS break system went out on my car going 40 miles per hour at 5:30 on a major street in Los Angeles called Wilshire Blvd. I almost died if I had not crashed into the curb I would have been hurt and hurt others Toyota issues a wait and see “courtesy program of a certain window to fix the break booster system and I ran out 1 month ago. My car is at Toyota Culver City and they are refusing to fix the break system due to the time limit. I was not notified of break system faulty system. My number is [XXX] if you would like to know INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius V. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and power brakes failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the check hybrid system and check battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway safely but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the inverter needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 247,000.

On February 27 2024 I had spend 2300 dollars on car repairs see enclosed then on April 11 2024 while backing out of my driveway, I experienced a sudden acceleration of my vehicle which led to body damage to my car yet Toyota after inspection says that now the car system works perfectly. Prior to this incident I experienced warning light and windshield wiper malfunction .

THE REAR HATCHBACK LATCH IS WEAK AND THE LATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PREVENTS THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR FROM BEING OPENED OR MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO OPEN. IT WILL COST JUST SHY OF $700 TO FIX. OF THE FOUR PRIUSES MY FAMILY HAS OWNED (PRIUS 2005 AND 2 PRIUS 2007 AND PRIUS V 2012) HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE REAR HATCHBACK LATCH. TOYOTA PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM.

I AM BEGINNING TO NOTICE MORE AND MORE TINY SPECKS EVENLY DISTRIBUTED ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT APPEAR TO BE IN THE MATERIAL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD BECAUSE NO AMOUNT OF WINDOW CLEANING CAN MAKE THEM GO AWAY. THE SPECKS ARE VERY DISTRACTING WHEN TRAVELING INTO THE SUN AND I BELIEVE ARE A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

WHEN OPERATING THE PRIUS V ON A SUNNY DAY, THE REFLECTION OF THE SIDE DASH PANEL BLOCKS THE VIEW OF THE SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE REFLECTION OCCURS IN BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE GLASS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE TOYOTA DEALER. THEIR RESPONSE WAS THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS NORMAL! THIS SAFETY ISSUE HAS ALSO BEEN REPORTED TO TOYOTA. THEY ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER AND RESPONDED THE PROBLEM WAS KNOWN AND THEIR WAS NO KNOWN REPAIR. THEY ALSO STATED THE ISSUE HAS BEEN CLASSIFIED AS A DESIGN ISSUE. THIS IS MY FIRST, AND LAST, TOYOTA. THIS ISSUE COULD BE NORMAL FOR A TOYOTA, BUT IT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR ME AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND MUST BE FIXED. I INQUIRED IF I COULD PURCHASE BLACK PANELS TO MINIMIZE THE REFLECTION AND WAS TOLD THE PANELS WERE ONLY AVAILABLE IN LIGHT GREY AND LIGHT BISQUE (BOTH VERY REFLECTIVE). UPDATED 8/12/13 *CN *TR

FRONT HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OF EACH OTHER. REPLACED BOTH BULBS. THEN THEY WENT OUT AGAIN WITH NO WARNING IN ABOUT A MONTH. HAD TO USE BRIGHTS TO DRIVE HOME IN THE DARK. DANGEROUS! REPLACED THEM AGAIN AND NOW ONE OF THE HEAD LIGHTS IS OUT AGAIN AFTER ONLY 2 WEEKS EVEN THOUGH IT IS A DIFFERENT BRAND. HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN IT IS PARKED.

HEADLIGHTS LOW BEAM FAIL EVERY MONTH OR SO AND I HAVE REPLACED 16 BULBS IN LAST YEAR. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR US. ALSO THE COST IS GREAT. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE HEADLIGHTS BEFORE IN OTHER VEHICLES. WHEN IS A RECALL GOING TO BE DEMANDED ? WHEN SOMEBODY IS KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS

Broken bones in face. Nose split in two parts Eye socket broken along with cornea messed up. Broken ribs. Bleeding spleen. Broken neck.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS V. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POSITION OF THE DRIVER SIDE HEAD REST FAILED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SUPPORT. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED PAIN TO THE HEAD, NECK, LOWER BACK, AND LEFT LEG THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.

A GROANING NOISE AT ALL TEMPERATURES SO FAR. IT BEGINS AND THEN GOES AWAY AFTER I DRIVE FOR A BLOCK. IT IS VERY LOUD AND IT CAN BE HEARD BY OTHERS AROUND ME. IT IS EMBARRASSING AND DOESN'T SOUND LIKE IT IS HEALTHY FOR THE LONGEVITY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Broken bones in face. Nose split in two parts Eye socket broken along with cornea messed up. Broken ribs. Bleeding spleen. Broken neck.