Is it me or does the 2012 inverter, electric motor or whatever it is gives off a high or higher pitched sound than a 2011? I had a 2011 Prius for close to a year and I currently have had my 2012 for a couple months. When I am at a complete stop at a light or wherever, I hear a very high pitched sound, sounding similar to tinnitus. I let off the brake just a little (still at a stop) and it goes away for like 7-8 seconds then the sound comes back. When driving electric I notice it does the same thing at times. I don't' remember my 2011 making such a loud high pitch sound. It was very quiet. Anyone else notice a difference? PS - it is not the VPNS. I disconnected it a while ago.
I noticed this too. I can't hear it inside the car but a a few days ago I was standing in the drive way as my wife pulled in using electric power only and the sound was very noticeable. John
Interesting. I can notice it a lot from inside the car with the windows rolled up as well, if I am at a complete stop waiting at a light. I posted this question to see if this was normal or not since I don't remember hearing this high pitched sound at a stop with my 2011. Maybe I'll make mention when I go for my 5000 mile maintenance, just to make sure it's normal for the 2012 Prius.
I have a 2012 Five, mfg date of 01/2012... I notice the high pitched whine- in old cars we used to refer to a similar sound called "alternator whine".
I've noticed something similar in my 2010. Usually with the A/C on and the brake pedal pushed in (at a stop). It appears to set up some kind of harmonic or high pitched sound. Very minor though.
Oh okay...Living in Arizona I have my AC on a lot this time a year. Maybe it did occur with my 2011 and don't remember since I bought my 2012 in March and probably the last time I used AC in my 2011 would of been October.
