2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in get?

The 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in has a U.S. EPA estimate of 50 mpg combined (51 city / 49 highway).

Q: How much is a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in worth?

Comparable 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in listings run roughly $12,500–$18,700, typically around $15,972 (from 27 vehicles).

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in at a glance

Owner complaints422

Overall safety4 / 5 ★

Combined50 mpg

Typical price$15,972

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 422 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Exterior Lighting

Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Visibility/wiper

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in safety ratings

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash★★★★★

Side crash★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-In 5 HB FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG & running costs

Combined50 mpg

City51 mpg

Highway49 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$1,350

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in worth?

Low

$12,500

Typical price

$15,972

High

$18,700

From 27 comparable 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$6,750

Fuel only$6,750

Per mile$0.09

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.