2012 Toyota Prius · 27,371 MOT tests
2012 Toyota Prius reliability
2012 Toyota Priuss fail 24.2% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 18 Prius years (27,371 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Priuss: 20.9%)
- 24.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Toyota Priuss: 20.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 33% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 156,773
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 27,371
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Strong point: suspension, 59% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Toyota Prius
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.3%
- Suspension5.5%
- Tyres4.7%
- Brakes4.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.9%
- Wheels0.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 3.32%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Registration plate lamp not working 3.22%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.74%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.66%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 1.41%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.25%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.51%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.82%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.8%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.07%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (3.64%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (2.9%)
Other years
Every Toyota Prius year
The full picture: Toyota Prius reliability. Before you pay for any Toyota Prius, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Toyota Prius reliable?
2012 Toyota Priuss fail 24.2% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 18 Prius years (27,371 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Toyota Prius MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (3.32% of tests), registration plate lamp not working (3.22% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.74% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Toyota Prius have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Toyota Prius shows 156,773 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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