Seven problems related to software have been reported for the 2012 Toyota Prius. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
After repair of stalling engine condition: vsv valve replaced, a software update subsequently was performed on my car (jov recall). Ever since that software update it hasn't been safe to drive my car : unsafe breaking, really hard breaking, especially on highways and untimely dashboard lighting related to trac/vsc, check engine and hybrid warning light.
On 09/19/2019 key west Toyota completed the tires change of my vehicle as I requested. In addition, key west Toyota performed "107649 j0v recall j0v01b 0. 70 update to the power management ecu with new software" as showing on the invoice. The following day, on Friday 09/20/2019, while I was driving the vehicle lost power and stalled in the middle of the traffic, putting my life and safety at risk and my heath and general well-being. I sent back the vehicle to key west Toyota, and since then the issue is unresolved, and I am not even able to reach anyone on the phone or through the email I sent from key west Toyota website "contact us".
After the latest hybrid software upgrade on my car we noticed that the gas mileage dropped by 10%. Then as we were driving in heavy traffic on a two lanes four different warning lights came on two which were for the braking system and two others for the hybrid system. Took the car to the Toyota shop and they found the hybrid batters needed to be replaced at 63,000 miles.
Nothing happened yet, but I am concerned about numerous reports of the inverter failing and causing sudden loss of power. I understand this is still happening despite affected cars having received a software update to "prevent" the issue. During an emergency, regenerative systems prevent these cars from swiftly coasting out of the travel lane as other cars would do. Instead, the car will act like the brakes have been slammed on, causing a serious hazard. I read about this here https://toyotatalk. Com/Toyota-prius-hybrid-inverter/.
The navigation, bluetooth & radio system was turned off on it own and became corrupted when the car dealership tried to update the systems software. The hardware was then rendered inoperable and the systems computer was then replaced, the warranty did not cover the defects in the system. The estimated repair exceeded $1000us. Due to the dealerships actions in trying to run a software update, the repair costs were paid by the dealership. The failure of the computer system seemed to be known by the car dealer. Toyota was never directly contacted by car owner as only the car dealer handled the repair issues.
After Toyota power management software recall installed "power management upgrade" software in my car I immediately experienced serious problems with my ignition /start of hybrid/gasoline engine. After pressing ignition, I had to wait 15 to 20 minutes and press start button on/off repeatedly until the gasoline engine ignite but hybrid failed to start. It is not normal because a Prius hybrid engine starts first not the gasoline engine. Toyota has disabled some important functions in its power management recall software update that affects the hybrid engine performance and failure to start. I drive my Prius 3-4 times a month and I did not have any problem before the recall software upgrade because Prius owners manual clearly says that the battery with be disconnected by battery saving function when your car is parked for long time, several days, weeks. In fact, when your car is parked for just days, Toyota power management software (recall) is draining the car battery and reconfiguring the relays to power up the gasoline engine. Toyota owners manual clearly states that when you are parked, "power management software disconnects the auxiliary battery from the hybrid system. " however, after the recall, not only auxiliary battery is not disconnected but there are lots of "activity" in hybrid engine that drains the batteries. I called the Toyota service and they now say you have to keep the car on a charger all the time when parked for several days. Of course , it is a huge safety problem to keep the car on a charger all the time when parked for days because the battery is housed in the cabin and the ventilation does not exist unless you park your car outdoors. At the same time Toyota recommends keeping the car on a charger , it also warns of explosion caused by charging the batteries in a garage.
Bought car on 1/23/13 and drove home. Next day got a call they forgot to give us access key so drove 27 miles to dealership and smoke on dashboard. Pulled into service and sales manager got in car drove around and said all is fine. Came home an odometer showed 564 miles after I drove 27 there and 27 back. The car had 156 night we bought it the day before. We are old and disabled and do not drive often. Odometer now showing almost 900 miles in less then the 3 weeks we have owned it. Reported the smoke on dashboard to Toyota corp office and told them how hot the dashboard got and odometer jumping. The man thought it was funny and said he hoped I did not burn my hand. Now nav system not working and radio sounds tinny. Called lakeland Toyota and talked to owner [xxx] who says he is an accountant and knows nothing about cars. Took car to another dealership and was told nav system software 2. 1 should be a 2. 2 and claimed to have it updated. The car then added another 100 miles again. We need help to make sure car is safe to drive and need miles to stop adding up even when we are not driving. Also the history on mpg one time showed 99. 9 and then 26 and then 44. 7 and then 49. We had to put gas in it three times in it in less then 3 weeks because gage on dashboard keeps showing getting low but then it only takes 6 gallons. I put no for fire but I did see smoke on the dash above the computer and it was very very hot. So not sure if there was an electrical fire or not or just a surge or short. No one will help me. Need help. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).