2012 Toyota Prius transmission problems

Filed Jan 21, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · HI

I am writing to bring attention to a critical safety issue affecting the 2012 Toyota Prius and other Toyota models equipped with the brake booster and actuator system. These components are failing at alarming rates, leaving vehicles with no functional brakes, ABS, or traction control. Additionally, this failure compromises the hybrid system due to the regenerative braking no longer working, potentially causing further damage to hybrid components and resulting in repairs costing several thousand dollars. Toyota issued Customer Support Program ZJB, which covered these issues for a limited period. This program was in effect from August 31, 2021, with no mileage or year restrictions, but offered secondary coverage for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle’s first use. Unfortunately, my vehicle, with approximately 130,000 miles and 12 years of age, was denied coverage when brought to a dealer after the program had ended. Despite the brake booster and actuator failing, the dealership did not advise me not to drive the vehicle, further emphasizing the gravity of this oversight. This is a significant safety hazard, as vehicles with these failures lack the ability to stop effectively, risking lives on the road. Furthermore, this problem is not isolated to my Prius; it affects thousands of Toyota vehicles equipped with these components. The estimated repair cost exceeds $3,000, an undue burden on owners for an issue that stems from defective manufacturing. I firmly believe Toyota’s decision to address this problem through a limited Customer Support Program, rather than a full recall, is inadequate and irresponsible. This issue meets the criteria for a safety recall and should be treated as such by the federal safety agency. I respectfully urge the federal safety agency to investigate this matter further asap/mandate a recall for all affected vehicles. This is a big safety issue. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

Filed Mar 9, 2022 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact noticed that there was a significant amount of water on the floorboards from the windshield whenever it rained heavily. Additionally, the contact stated while at a traffic sign on a hill, the vehicle would roll backwards while in drive when she took her foot off the accelerator. The contact did not notice any warning lights. The contact also noticed that while parking the vehicle, whenever the PARK button on the dashboard was not depressed while the vehicle was running, the vehicle would roll forward. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was not diagnosed and was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2021 · Transmission · FL

I went into Toyota of Fort Walton Beach, FL to remedy a recall (the federal safety agency Recall Number 18V684). She said that this recall is not on their list and thus would do nothing. I want this recall repaired as presently there is a safety risk. There are phrases in this recall of "1 unrepaired recall" and "Recall incomplete".

Filed Dec 26, 2019 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · NC

Vehicle was in motion traveling about 50 MPH when an effort was made to pass another vehicle on a 2 lane road, the vehicle lost power while we were passing, we barely got back into our lane and just barely avoided a head on collision. Then the vehicle slowed to about 15 MPH and limped to a stop a mile later. We could have died.

Filed May 1, 2019 · Transmission · 92,041 miles · CA

When I was making a right turn I heard a loud "boom" sound and had to grab my steering wheel hard so I wouldnt drift onto the other lane because my car was shaking and skidding then right after my car emergency dash lights came on and told me system failure park your car immidently keep in mind while this was happening my car only went up to twenty miles per hour with my car making a loud sound as if I was going 80 MPH it sounded like I was speeding when I was only going about twenty miles per hour.

Filed Apr 15, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 75,000 miles · IL

Soon after getting a recall software update for the hybrid system, the car displayed hybrid system check message and lost power. Car had to be towed. Created an extremely dangerous situation due to nature of problem while driving on the road and had to pull over right away.

Filed Apr 5, 2019 · Transmission · 69,500 miles · NY

When I drive over any type of bump, (pothole, speed bump, etc) and my foot is on the brake....the car will suddenly speed-up instead of slow down. Very dangerous situation and it happens every time.

Filed Jan 7, 2019 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · IL · crash

I pulled into my driveway and pressed the stop button to put the car in park and shut off the engine. I got out of the car and left the driver's door open. I walked to the mailbox to get the mail and heard a crash as the car drove off and hit a tree and landscape wall.

Filed Jul 17, 2018 · Transmission · 92,396 miles · CA

Was trying to accelerate the vehicle had no power , while driving on the street, the check engine light was on.

Filed Jun 4, 2018 · Electrical, Transmission · NC

My car will turn on, but it will not shift into drive or reverse until numerous attempts. I usually have to turn it on and off for about 10-15 times before it will allow my to shift into gear. The key fob will lock and unlock the car. The car will still turn on, AC will still come on, radio still works. The only thing that doesn't work on the first 10-15 tries is the sifting into gear. Priuschat forum talk about this issue a lot. They all have similar stories with the same details as mine. It takes me about 5-7 min to get my car started. Once I finally get the car in gear, no issues pop up for the rest of the drive. All of this started about within the last month for me.