When should you replace your strut and coils on a 2012 Prius C?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Lexington-76, Mar 16, 2026 at 3:10 AM.

  1. Lexington-76

    Lexington-76 Junior Member

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    Hi All

    My daughter has a 2012 Prius C with about 110,000 miles on it. She bought it used with one previous owner. The vehicle looks like it was relatively well maintained.

    When should you replace the strut coils on it? Is there a set maintenance timeline or miles for it or is it only when you see cracks in it or do you measure the height of the ride?

    Also, how often do you change the strut?

    Thanks
     
    #1 Lexington-76, Mar 16, 2026 at 3:10 AM
  2. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    The OEM maintenance repair manual does NOT have a replacement interval for this part; so that means replace upon failure. Many repair shops will recommend replacement after 100K miles, but it doesn't need to be done unless it has failed. You'll see abnormal and excessive tire wear when they are failing and they should be replaced in pairs; both front or rear to keep the car balanced and even stance.

    Hope this helps.......
     
    #2 BiomedO1, Mar 16, 2026 at 11:34 AM
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Also, leaking or uncomfortable ride
     
    #3 bisco, Mar 16, 2026 at 1:26 PM
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  4. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    If they can't keep the ride stable enough for safe braking, replacement is required.

    Leaks are a sign that a failure condition is beginning.

    But lots of these cars are going into the crusher with a zillion miles and the original factory struts- so you might never have to do it at all.

    Be aware that (industry-wide, not specific to the Prius c) the replacement items are much lower quality than the original factory gear- especially for the "quick strut" pre-assembled packages.
     
    #4 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, Mar 16, 2026 at 5:02 PM
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  5. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    In my experience; those quick struts are usually a LOT softer than the OEM and they tend to bottom out. Not a great combination in a low slung econobox. A lot more scraping over speed bumps. IMHO, the closest to OEM would be KYB and reusing your original springs - again the quick strut springs are too soft; since that part usually has to covers many makes and models.

    YMMV
     
    #5 BiomedO1, Mar 16, 2026 at 5:10 PM
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