2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid: 2 recalls, 25 owner complaints and up to 50 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V487000 · 2016 · 482,002 vehicles
What's wrong: A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator May crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
Why it matters: If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016.
Hybrid system Vehicle recall #17V718000 · 2017 · 39,915 vehicles
What's wrong: The hybrid battery contains an electric vehicle (ev) fuse that May fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.
Why it matters: The failed fuse May cause the hybrid system to shut down resulting in the loss of power. Loss of power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ev fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (10): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Other / unknown (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Engine (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid has 25 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 8 Prius Plug-in Hybrid model years for complaints (2.9× the average Prius Plug-in Hybrid year). Complaints peaked in 2018 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 89,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (1 complaints, 0 recalls), 2013 (12 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 51 | 49 | 50 | Regular Gas and Electricity |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid problems?
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (10), other / unknown (4), electrical (3).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid get?
EPA ratings run up to 50 mpg combined (1.8 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.