Model year guide

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 27 on record.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints422
Overall safety4 / 5 ★
Combined50 mpg
Typical price$15,972

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in recalls 2

Hybrid Propulsion System NHTSA Campaign #17V718000 · manufacturer #H0R · NHTSA lists this under Prius Plug-in Hybrid · 15/11/2017

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid battery contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse that may fracture after repeated high-load driving conditions such as climbing long hills.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EV fuse, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 8, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0R.

Air Bags:side/window NHTSA Campaign #16V487000 · manufacturer #Toyota G0U Lexus GLJ · NHTSA lists this under Prius Plug-in Hybrid · 30/06/2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. 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.

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. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 422 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 12.4% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In 5 HB FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG & running costs

Combined50 mpg
City51 mpg
Highway49 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,350
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Electric range540 mi
Charge time (240V)1.5 hours
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume22 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,000 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in worth?

Low
$12,500
Typical price
$15,972
High
$18,700

From 27 comparable 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$6,750
Fuel only$6,750
Per mile$0.09

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 2

Brake Actuator Valve Wear Closed

On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP’s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA com…

NHTSA #DP19004 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Sep 2019 · closed Jan 2021

Drivability, Service brake failure Closed

On January 3, 2013, NHTSA received a letter (ODI No. 10487746) from Ms. Jessie A. Powell petitioning the agency to investigate drivability and braking concerns in the subject vehicle. The petition expressed two concerns: 1. "The first software problem was when the vehicle shifted from battery to motor and caused such impact, I initially believed the vehicle had been struck in the rear." 2. "The next more alarming pro…

NHTSA #DP13002 · Service Brakes · opened Mar 2013 · closed Jul 2014

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 459

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 459.

Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 · Jan 2026

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…

Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to r…

Bulletin T-SB-0061-23 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, r…

Bulletin T-SB-0062-23 Rev2 · Structure · Dec 2024

Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin T-SB-0055-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to p…

Bulletin T-SB-0055-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid,…

Bulletin T-SB-0035-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before th…

Bulletin T-SB-0038-24 Rev1 · Structure · Jul 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PRIUS PLUG-IN FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Advanced
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl 98 hp

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in vehicles on record

Other Toyota Prius Plug-in model years

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in?

Across all 422 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electrical system, exterior lighting.

What is the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in get?

The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in has a U.S. EPA estimate of 50 mpg combined (51 city / 49 highway).

How much is a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in worth?

Comparable 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in listings run roughly $12,500–$18,700, typically around $15,972 (from 27 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.