2012 Toyota Prius: excessive oil consumption

5 of the 425 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Prius describe excessive oil consumption.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 1%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 57 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Excessive oil consumption by model year

2014
2
2013
6
2012
5
2011
10
2010
46
2009
2
2008
11
2007
5

What owners say

Filed Feb 24, 2021 · Engine · 99,500 miles · MA

This vehicle has been burning oil for the past 10,000 miles. Vehicle has had all services and synthetic oil changes done from day 1 at the dealership. Oil changes every 5,000 miles since day 1. At 90,000 miles the car started burning oil excessively. Complaints and diagnostics were attempted at toyota franchise dealerships but they failed to find the issue. Finally at 100,000 miles the engine failed due to head gasket failure. This vehicle is classified as a partial zero emission vehicle and it is registered in a state that follows california air resource board regulations and is being serviced in a state that follows as well. Under the pzev regulations, toyota warranties emission related components for 15 years or 150,000 miles. Under toyotas warranty guide it states seals and gaskets are covered. The manual does not clarify any further leaving the coverage level vague and questionable. Upon trying to get toyota to replace the engine, they gave us a week of no responses and finally declining the claim even when the manual states it should be covered. The oil burning issue with this motor is a big problem that toyota has been trying to cover up. Toyota is quoting $13,000 for engine replacement. They have a service bulleting regarding the oil burning because it's a known issue, but they only honor claims under the 5 year 60,000 miles power train warranty.

Filed Aug 17, 2019 · Engine · 133,883 miles · TX

Bought this car brand new in 2012 and have always performed maintenance on time. Between the last oil change and this oil change the prius is burning oil and I am having to add at least two quarts of oil before it is back on the dipstick. I am noticing this is a problem with the 2010-2014 prius and that toyota has done nothing to solve it. I do not want to be on a long trip and burn through oil and lock my engine up causing harm to myself or others.

Filed Nov 2, 2017 · CA

Excessive oil consumption. When I checked the oil level before the next scheduled oil change, I found no oil on the dipstick. On my last oil change, I was not told I had a problem with my oil consumption. Had to buy oil in a hurry as I did not want to drive the car without oil.

Filed Oct 9, 2017 · Engine · 85,901 miles · WI

Excess oil consumption

Filed May 23, 2017 · 89,000 miles · CA

2012 toyota prius has been consuming large amounts of oil since 89000 miles. Dealer completed an oil consumption test, of course if passed. Dealer stated rave4's and camry's have had same issue and they issue recalls. Toyota has yet to accept responsibility and replace the pistions to correct the oil consumption.