Sell your 2012 Toyota Prius c for cash

The 2012 Toyota Prius c is a compact car that came with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine. At 14 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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2012 Toyota Prius c at a glance

Body styleCompact Cars
Engines1.5L 4-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy53 city / 46 highway / 50 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$1,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂178 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA1 configuration
Age14 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 14 years old, most of a 2012 Prius c's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a compact car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Hybrid battery: hybrid versions also carry a high-voltage battery pack, which recyclers and rebuilders pay for.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the service brakes, typically around 25,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2012 Toyota Prius c recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Toyota Prius c. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Common 2012 Prius c problems

Owners have filed 64 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Prius c with NHTSA. 9 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 9 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Service Brakes26
  • Electrical System14
  • Air Bags8
  • Unknown or Other8
  • Engine5
  • Electronic Stability Control (Esc)4

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Service Brakes25,000 mi
  • Electrical System108,000 mi
  • Air Bags34,000 mi
  • Unknown or Other74,000 mi
  • Engine88,000 mi
  • Electronic Stability Control (Esc)87,000 mi

2012 Toyota Prius c service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 366 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2012 Toyota Prius c. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Equipment40
  • Equipment40
  • Structure31
  • Equipment26
  • Structure24
  • Engine23

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2026 · T-SB-0119-15 Rev2

    OBSOLETE NOTICE February 13, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0009-26.

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2026 · T-SB-0009-26

    This bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on Ni-MH high voltage (HV) batteries. This bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicab

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2026 · T-SB-0055-24 Rev2

    Some 2005 - 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to r

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2024 · T-SB-0035-24 Rev2

    Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle o

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 2 defect investigations covering the 2012 Toyota Prius c.

Electrical SystemDP22005 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023Led to recall 22V063000

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pe

Service BrakesDP13002 · opened Mar 2013, closed Jul 2014

Drivability, Service brake failure

On January 3, 2013, NHTSA received a letter (ODI No. 10487746) from Ms. Jessie A. Powell petitioning the agency to investigate drivability and braking concerns in the subject vehicle.The petition expressed two concerns: 1. The first software problem was when the vehicle shifted from battery to motor and caused such imp

Selling a 2012 Prius c: questions

How much is a 2012 Toyota Prius c worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2012 Prius c that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2012 Prius cs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2012 Prius c?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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