2012 Prius V JDM engine replacement questions

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Soundquest, May 29, 2026 at 5:48 PM.

  1. Soundquest

    Soundquest New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    V
    2012 Prius V -- existing engine has the typical head gasket issue. 240K miles on it so I would say we did pretty well. Considering a 60K mile JDM engine replacement (will be performing myself -- I have done engine replacements before on other vehicles far more complex than this so not afraid and not inexperienced). So my question is, what other items should be replaced/serviced when I do the replacement besides the EGR valve, plugs, worn belt drive components if applicable, valve cover gasket, TB cleaning, etc? And what else (in the engine bay, so not on the engine) should I service while I have all that room when the engine is out? Lastly, most videos up on this engine replacement do not show the actual disconnecting process for the transmission, but it is my understanding it is very straight forward and very accessible; are there any important details or tricks I should be mindful of? Lastly -- the batteries (hybrid) are showing good health still and we have no issues with the current transmission, which I am surprised at. Has anyone else on here reached this mileage without hybrid battery issues and without transmission issues?
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    No one has a transmission or belt drives on a gen3 Prius.

    Almost no one ever had an ecvt transaxle with motors problem.

    Plenty of diyer's ruin the ac compressor.

    Some screw up and change good oem parts with aftermarket.

    Which is more advice than I usually give to those who won't even share their location. Others will suggest not doing it, rebuilding the JDM and or changing all bolt ons.
     
    #2 rjparker, May 30, 2026 at 12:06 PM
    Last edited: May 30, 2026 at 12:25 PM