Model year guide

2012 Toyota Prius v

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Toyota Prius v is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 75 on record.

2012 Toyota Prius v — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Toyota Prius v at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints612
Combined41 mpg
Typical price$14,689

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Toyota Prius v recalls 4

Hybrid Propulsion System NHTSA Campaign #18V684000 · 04/10/2018

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number …

Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter NHTSA Campaign #15V449000 · 15/07/2015

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Prius V vehicles manufactured August 22, 2011, to June 30, 2014. A component within the hybrid inverter assembly may overheat, causing the hybrid system to reduce output power allowing the vehicle to only drive a short distance. In some circumstances, the hybrid system may shut down causing the vehicle to stop while being d…

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unti (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights NHTSA Campaign #13E070000 · 12/12/2013

Genera Corporation (Genera) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement tail lights, model 11-6468-00 (driver-side), and model 11-6467-00 (passenger-side), sold for use on 2012-2013 Toyota Prius V vehicles. The brake light and tail light circuits are switched causing the brake lights to be illuminated continuously until the brake pedal is pressed, when the brake lights will go out.

Fix: Genera will notify owners and provide replacement aftermarket tail lamps, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact Genera at 1-888-963-9888. This recall is being conducted by Genera Corporation, not by Toyota Motor Corporation.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive NHTSA Campaign #13V014000 · 16/01/2013

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010…

Fix: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Toyota Prius v common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 612 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.
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.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2012 Toyota Prius v MPG & running costs

Combined41 mpg
City43 mpg
Highway39 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Toyota Prius v worth?

Low
$9,000
Typical price
$14,689
High
$18,800

From 74 comparable 2012 Toyota Prius v listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$7,500
Fuel only$7,500
Per mile$0.10

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.

2012 Toyota Prius v trims & engines on record

Trims
Three
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl

2012 Toyota Prius v vehicles on record

Other Toyota Prius v model years

2012 Toyota Prius v — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Toyota Prius v have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2012 Toyota Prius v. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Prius v?

Based on 612 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, electrical system, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Prius v get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Toyota Prius v at about 41 mpg combined (43 city / 39 highway).

How much is a 2012 Toyota Prius v worth?

Comparable 2012 Toyota Prius v listings run roughly $9,000–$18,800, typically around $14,689 (from 74 vehicles).

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