2012 Toyota Prius engine problems
31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2012 Toyota Prius — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Unknown. There were a multitude of codes that appeared on the diagnostics causing problems with engine. The temperature, brake, tire sensor lights are all on. The cruise control is not working. White smoke emitting from tail pipe and engine. Main engine coolant leaking. Car overheating rapidly.”
filed Jul 6, 2026
“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started shaking abnormally with a rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the…”
filed Mar 11, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year Repair Manual while…
T-SB-0009-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 13, 2026OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.
T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 13, 2026
Engine problems in other Prius years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Prius | 2 | 8% |
| 2019 Prius | 5 | 17% |
| 2018 Prius | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 Prius | 12 | 13% |
| 2016 Prius | 17 | 11% |
| 2015 Prius | 8 | 5% |
| 2014 Prius | 17 | 8% |
| 2013 Prius | 37 | 9% |
| 2011 Prius | 46 | 9% |
| 2010 Prius | 140 | 5% |
| 2009 Prius | 19 | 4% |
| 2008 Prius | 49 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Toyota Prius
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.