DecodedCars2012 Toyota Prius v
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Station Wagons
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 76 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 41 combined · 43 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- 181.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,274 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 41 MPG combined — 65% better than the average 2012 midsize station wagon (24.8 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 76 hp, versus about 132 hp for similar 2012 models.
- Many owner complaints183 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 5 for similar models — most often about the service brakes.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Toyota Prius v is a midsize station wagon offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,274 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 41 MPG combined (43 city / 39 highway), 65% better than the 2012 midsize station wagon average of 24.8 MPG, for an estimated $1,650 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 183 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Toyota City, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2012 Prius v configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback | 181.9 in | 70.1 in | 62.2 in | 109.4 in | 60.6 / 61 in | 3,274 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius v Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 43 / 39 / 41 | +65% | $1,650 | 217 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Toyota Prius v.
Similar 2012 midsize station wagons
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Prius v (this car) | 41 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Dodge Caliber | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Toyota Matrix | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Kia Rondo | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Hybrid Propulsion System · Oct 4, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V684000 · 807,329 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- 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 for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter · Jul 15, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V449000 · 108,624 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 driven.
- Risk
- The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Seats · Jan 16, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 3,235 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
- Risk
- If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
- 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.
Not every 2012 Toyota Prius v is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Toyota Prius v buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 107 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 32 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 20 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,475 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Prius v. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Prius v years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2016 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2015 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 24 |
| 2014 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 82 |
| 2013 Prius v | 41 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 115 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →