2012 Toyota Prius electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 14V053000Feb 12, 2014698,457 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

  Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

  Risk: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

What owners say

1. Filed Apr 10, 2026227,000 miGAElectrical System

   Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 187,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 227,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11730416 · source
2. Filed Dec 25, 2025NYBrakesElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden brake system malfunction without prior warning or gradual degradation. The vehicle was being operated under normal driving, road, and weather conditions. No recent brake service, repairs, or aftermarket modifications had been performed prior to the failure. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, including the ABS warning light, brake warning light, and traction control warning light. Shortly after the warning…

   NHTSA complaint #11707029 · source
3. Filed Dec 2, 2025281,586 miCOElectrical System

   Odometer Fraud. The contact’s son recently purchased a 2012 Toyota Prius. The vehicle was a private sale. After the purchase, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy based on the Carfax report. At the time of purchase, the vehicle displayed 137,000 miles. However, the Carfax report listed the mileage as 281,586 miles, and the current mileage on the vehicle was 151,103.

   NHTSA complaint #11702529 · source
4. Filed Nov 6, 2025NCElectrical System

   The hybrid system fails to enter “Ready” mode with no SMR engagement audible from the junction box. Dashboard displays ABS, brake, engine, and master warning lights. OBD codes include U0142, U0155, and previously U0073 . Rear brake lights function normally when pedal is pressed. Dealer said to pay 250$ for diagnostic and diagnosed incorrect voltage from brake light switch and quoted $348.94 to replace, but refused to proceed with open safety recall J0V / 18V684 (NHTSA…

   NHTSA complaint #11697829 · source
5. Filed Jul 25, 2025FLBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   Brake getting stuck on the floor would have to press on brake really hard just to get a response, this will happen out of the blue! Driving in highway or just driving off the driveway. I almost hit a car in front of me due to lack of brake, i had to swerve to the side! First appear 1 day after buying the car..This issue needs to be worked on right away.

   NHTSA complaint #11676307 · source
6. Filed Mar 29, 2025WIElectrical System

   The accelerator wasn’t pushing down after I turned a corner then the lights in attached photo appeared. The power inverter needs to be replaced and since my car had the J0V software update in 2/2019, and the recall update came out in 3/2019, it was not linked to my vin as it should’ve been. The update to J0V (attached) should have been posted w my vin, correct? They are fixing it under customer support but refuse to tow it or give me rental bc they are saying it isn’t a…

   NHTSA complaint #11651487 · source
7. Filed Jan 21, 2025HIBrakesElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am writing to bring attention to a critical safety issue affecting the 2012 Toyota Prius and other Toyota models equipped with the brake booster and actuator system. These components are failing at alarming rates, leaving vehicles with no functional brakes, ABS, or traction control. Additionally, this failure compromises the hybrid system due to the regenerative braking no longer working, potentially causing further damage to hybrid components and resulting in repairs…

   NHTSA complaint #11637477 · source
8. Filed Dec 20, 2024NCBrakesElectrical System

   Wednesday morning I went to start my car to go to work. I noticed the brake would not go down. It was difficult to press. I was unable to go to work safely. I brought my car to a mechanic where I was informed it was a faulty brake booster. When I researched online, I saw many many other Toyota owners went through the exact same issue. There is no recall but it’s a huge issue and a a safety problem.

   NHTSA complaint #11631892 · source
9. Filed Feb 9, 2024120,000 miMABrakesElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle skidded while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the hazard lights independently activated and caused the battery to drain, and the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that there was a Customer Satisfaction Program for the failure, but the Customer Satisfaction…

   NHTSA complaint #11571095 · source
10. Filed Aug 28, 2023120,000 miMSElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    ******* 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 · source
11. Filed Feb 17, 2023KYBrakesElectrical System

    Our 2012 Toyota Prius experienced brake failure due to the Accuator and Accumulator. I contacted Toyota Corporate office, which advised it is a known problem and had a customer support program that expired last year. The Toyota rep advised me to not drive the vehicle because of the brake failure and opened a ticket advising it is a known issue. After researching online, it is a very common issue. https://www.aboutautomobile.com/Consumer-Complaint/2010/Toyota/Prius/Brake

    NHTSA complaint #11507753 · source
12. Filed Jan 23, 2023ILFireElectrical SystemEngine

    The engine caught fire while sitting in my garage. I had driven it for a few hours doing deliveries for a store and parked it in my garage around 2:30pm. About 1.5 hours later, my wife was coming home and opened the garage door and saw smoke above the hood of my car and then a few seconds later it burst into flames. I believe that it was smouldering for a while and the gust of wind when the big garage door opened gave it the extra push to ignite. The car was bought used and…

    NHTSA complaint #11503239 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology