IT STARTED WITH SHAKING ON STARTUP, IDLE AND LOW SPEEDS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. DIAGNOSED WITH MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE. IGNITION COILS REPLACED, BUT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. SUBSEQUENT ANALYSIS INDICATED COOLANT IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER DUE TO A FAILED HEAD GASKET.
2012 toyota Prius engine problems
moderate 44 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
44
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA VALLEJO (201 AUTO MALL PKWY, VALLEJO, CA 94591, (707) 552-4545) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN OUT AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE …
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2012 toyota Prius?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 44 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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