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Toyota Prius C

EPA MPG: 50 mpg

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 Prius C has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Toyota Prius C owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"I think it was the ABS, screen read to have car serviced immediately. Cost to repair brake system was over $3660, around July of 2024. Serviced at Toyota."

Anonymous, 99 (2012 Toyota Prius C Unsure 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Calipers

"Brakes draggedage of calipers"

Anonymous, MI (2012 Toyota Prius C Three 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Other brakes problem

"It was the COST of the brakes repair, about $3660, that was staggering to me. I had to take funds out of my IRA to cover the cost of repairs. I really like my PriusC, and am trying to keep it going as long as possible."

Anonymous, 99 (2012 Toyota Prius C Unsure 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

EV Battery

Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

What Owners Say

Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

"Failure warning as a result of corrosion on one of the connector terminals resulting in reduction of power flow within the system."

Anonymous, FL (2012 Toyota Prius C One 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"received online alert to "Pull over immediately or car will be on fire". But according to Toyota this is not true and quoted $7000 replacement and 4 weeks to get batteries and that we could drive it the 100 miles to service. Got local Hybrid Guy to replace with Toyota Panasonic new batteries for $1675 and his work was guaranteed. Forget going to Toyota."

Anonymous A., HI (2012 Toyota Prius C Two 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Wheel bearings

"Started making noise"

Anonymous, TN (2012 Toyota Prius C Two 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

""We noticed it in June 2024. A local mechanic filled up the refrigerant and the problem was solved for the rest of the summer. It happened again this year, si we are going to have to bring it to the dealer to fix the leak.""

Anonymous, (2012 Toyota Prius C Unsure 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Head gasket

"I had had an oil change at the dealership. I was driving home and it sounded like somebody had actually left a wrench or some other tool under the hood. I came back and they found nothing but the sound had stopped. The next day or two when I would start the car, it would do very, very loud rattling. Engine light would come on. So I took it in again to the dealership and they informed me that there was a crack in one of the gaskets the head gasket. It cost around $4000 to fix the problem. I would also like to note though this may sound odd since the Prius is known as a progressive car, I dont think I would ever have a progressive car again in a very conservative state, such as Oklahoma. Even the dealerships here do not seem to be competent and dealing with Prius issues. I have had to contact Prius dealers in other places, such as California to get correct information."

Anonymous A., OK (2012 Toyota Prius C Unsure 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

""The front passenger side door lock failed withing the first three years of owning the car. Also, about ten years into ownership 2 tire pressure sensors failed.""

Anonymous A., NY (2012 Toyota Prius C Three 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Had my tail lights go out. Took it in to dealership and the connection of the tail lights to the electrical failed. Connection replace."

Anonymous A., WA (2012 Toyota Prius C Four 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Other emissions/fuel system problem

"the timing cover gasket was leaking and had to be repaired. it was very expensive because they had to take out the whole engine."

Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Prius C Three 1.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Electric Motor
EV Battery
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
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