2012 Toyota Prius MPG
48–50 mpg combined across 2 EPA-rated versions. Best: Prius Plug-in Hybrid (FWD, 1.8L 4-cyl) at 51 city / 49 hwy / 50 combined; lowest: Prius (1.8L 4-cyl, CVT) at 48. Includes 1 plug-in/electric version.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prius Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in Hybrid) | 1.8L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 51 | 49 | 50 · 95 MPGe · 540 mi range | $1,350 |
| Prius (Hybrid) | 1.8L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 49 | 46 | 48 | $1,400 |
How it compares
- 2012 Midsize Cars: class average 23.7 mpg over 143 versions; best Prius +26.3.
- 2011: 48 mpg best (+2 for 2012).
- 2013: 50 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $1,350–$1,400 a year ($50 difference).
- 2027 model: 55 mpg best (+5).
Safety
| Crash test | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prius 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ · 12.1% risk |
726 owner complaints: Service Brakes 368, Electrical System 92, Engine 74, Unknown Or Other 58. Crashes 74, fires 6, injuries 53, deaths 3.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 368 | 51% |
| Electrical System | 92 | 13% |
| Engine | 74 | 10% |
| Unknown Or Other | 58 | 8% |
| Air Bags | 43 | 6% |
| Exterior Lighting | 43 | 6% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 33 | 5% |
| Power Train | 33 | 5% |
Recent owner reports: Service Brakes
“When I started my car this morning, the red BRAKE light, ABS warning light and anti-slip light were all illuminated. The car does still stop but the brakes are very spongy and there's a clicking noise under the hood. I only moved the car out of the driveway to allow other cars to leave. The brake fluid is not low.”
“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal there was a buzzing sound coming from the vehicle and the brake warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the brake fluid level was very low. The vehicle was taken to a service center where it was diagnosed and DTC: C1391; was retrieved.”
“1. My Brake booster failed/malfunctioned. I had to get it repaired/replaced by Toyota so it might be with the dealership or thrown out by now. 2. I had to take it in because I had an incident where I was unable to apply the break on the car. I was lucky enough to be in a not busy street and was able to pull over safely. 3. Toyota diagnosed the issue and proceeded with the repair. They even have an extended warrantee”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 NHTSA campaigns (check a VIN).
| Date | Component | Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 4, 2018 | Hybrid Propulsion System | 18V684000 |
| Jun 30, 2016 | Air Bags › side/Window | 16V487000 |
| Jun 2, 2016 | Seats › front Assembly › seat Heater/Cooler | 16V396000 |
| Jul 15, 2015 | Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter | 15V449000 |
| Feb 12, 2014 | Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter | 14V053000 |
| Dec 12, 2013 | Exterior Lighting › tail Lights | 13E070000 |
| Apr 9, 2013 | Equipment › other › labels | 13V123000 |
| Jan 16, 2013 | Air Bags › frontal › sensor/Control Module-inactive | 13V014000 |