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2009 Toyota Prius

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Prius years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Toyota Prius are substantially higher than the model-year median of 164.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

402 reports with mileage · 100 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 91 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

64 crash reports4 fire reports21 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

60 reports
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130,101 miles · Apr 19, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT DATE LISTED, THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS HAD INTERMITTENT COMPLETE OR PARTIAL HEADLIGHT FAILURE. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THAT SEEM TO BE RANDOM IN NATURE EITHER THE DRIVERS SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WILL FAIL INDIVIDUAL WHILE THE COUNTERPART (OPPOSI…

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ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT DATE LISTED, THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS HAS HAD INTERMITTENT COMPLETE OR PARTIAL HEADLIGHT FAILURE. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THAT SEEM TO BE RANDOM IN NATURE EITHER THE DRIVERS SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WILL FAIL INDIVIDUAL WHILE THE COUNTERPART (OPPOSITE HEADLIGHT) WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE. ALSO, AS RANDOM AS ONE INDIVIDUAL HEADLIGHT FAILING BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT OR FAILED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE OPERATOR HAS BEEN ABLE TO RECTIFY THE IMMEDIATE HAZARD BY SIMPLY TURNING THE MAIN ACTIVATION SWITCH FOR THE HEADLIGHT FROM "ON" TO "OFF" AND THEN TO "ON" AGAIN. THIS PROCEDURE WILL, ON MOST OCCASIONS TEMPORARILY RECTIFY THE IMMEDIATE HAZARD BUT THE INTERMITTENT FAILURE HAS AND WILL CONTINUE. OPERATOR CONDUCTED RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE AND DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THE 2005-2009 TOYOTA PRIUS IS DISPLAYING. TOYOTA CORPORATE WAS CONTACTED BY THE OPERATOR AND STATED THAT A CUSTOMER CARE INITIATIVE WAS DIRECTED TO ALL TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENTS TO REDUCE THE COST OF REPLACEMENT BULBS. HOWEVER, WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THIS SITUATION IS A HEADLAMP HID BULB ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WAS REPLACED APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO AND IS THE MORE FREQUENT HEADLAMP FAILURE OCCURRING. THIS SEEMS TO INVALIDATE THE REMEDY THAT TOYOTA CORPORATE HAS DEVISED WHICH IS TO REPLACE THE BULBS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10583646

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HYBRID ELECTRIC WATER PUMP RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED TWO WEEKS AFTER THE HYBRID WATER PUMP WAS FIXED, A RED TRIANGLE LAMP APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS CHARGED 4202/16 FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AN…

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2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO HYBRID ELECTRIC WATER PUMP RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED TWO WEEKS AFTER THE HYBRID WATER PUMP WAS FIXED, A RED TRIANGLE LAMP APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS CHARGED 4202/16 FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND INFORMED HIM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER WENT TO HIS PERSONAL MECHANIC, WHERE THE HYBRID ELECTRIC PUMP WAS REPLACED AND THE CODES WERE CLEARED.

NHTSA ODI #10550221

49,300 miles · Sep 10, 2013
Electrical SystemStructure

THE BACK DOOR/HATCH SWITCH RUBBER IS MELTING/VERY STICKY. THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST REPORTED IN THE 2007 PRIUS AND OTHER MODEL TOYOTA MODELS. I EXPECT THAT THIS SWITCH WILL BECOME DEFECTIVE AND IT IS THE ONLY MEANS TO ENTER THE HATCH AREA OF THE PRIUS.THE HATCH AREA IS THE LOCATION OF THE SPARE TIRE, FLARES AND OTHER SAFETY PRODUC…

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THE BACK DOOR/HATCH SWITCH RUBBER IS MELTING/VERY STICKY. THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST REPORTED IN THE 2007 PRIUS AND OTHER MODEL TOYOTA MODELS. I EXPECT THAT THIS SWITCH WILL BECOME DEFECTIVE AND IT IS THE ONLY MEANS TO ENTER THE HATCH AREA OF THE PRIUS.THE HATCH AREA IS THE LOCATION OF THE SPARE TIRE, FLARES AND OTHER SAFETY PRODUCTS CARRIED IN THE AUTOMOBILE. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM OF TOYOTA MODELS AND IS DEFINITELY A FACTORY DEFECTIVE PART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10542981

26,500 miles · Feb 27, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON. BOTH LIGHTS HAD BEEN FULLY OPERATIONAL THE DAY BEFORE. BOTH HIGH AND LOW BEAMS ON BOTH SIDES DID NOT WORK, SO IT IS DEFINITELY NOT THE CASE THAT FOUR SEPARATE BULBS OR FUSES ALL BLEW INDEPENDENTLY. I TRIED TURNING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THIS …

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WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN ON. BOTH LIGHTS HAD BEEN FULLY OPERATIONAL THE DAY BEFORE. BOTH HIGH AND LOW BEAMS ON BOTH SIDES DID NOT WORK, SO IT IS DEFINITELY NOT THE CASE THAT FOUR SEPARATE BULBS OR FUSES ALL BLEW INDEPENDENTLY. I TRIED TURNING THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE FOG LIGHTS DO ILLUMINATE, BUT THAT IS NOT ENOUGH ILLUMINATION FOR SAFE DRIVING IN MY AREA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10500583

64,000 miles · Jan 30, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN GOING OUT RANDOMLY FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS BUT ONLY ONE AT A TIME. THIS EVENING WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A LATE MEETING, BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TRIED TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN. HEADLIGHTS WENT ON WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, SO I RESUMED DRIV…

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THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN GOING OUT RANDOMLY FOR THE LAST FEW MONTHS BUT ONLY ONE AT A TIME. THIS EVENING WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A LATE MEETING, BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TRIED TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN. HEADLIGHTS WENT ON WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, SO I RESUMED DRIVING ONLY TO HAVE THE LIGHTS GO OUT AGAIN! THIS TIME I FLICKED ON THE HIGH BEAMS AND THE LIGHTS CAME ON. I STOPPED TO GRAB A BITE TO EAT FIGURING I COULD DO THE HIGH BEAM TRICK AGAIN. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, THE LIGHTS WENT ON AND HIGH BEAMS TURNED ON WHEN I ENGAGED THE LEVER. WHILE DRIVING HOME, LESS THAN 2 MILES FROM WHERE I STARTED THE CAR, HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT AND THE HIGH BEAMS DID NOT WORK EITHER WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THEM ON. I PULLED OVER TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN BUT WITH NO LUCK THIS TIME. VERY SLOWLY DROVE THE LAST MILE HOME ON THE LESS TRAVELED ROAD WITH MY FLASHERS ON...THIS SITUATION IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10495305

35,000 miles · Sep 1, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine

THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING, FOUR TIMES IN ABOUT A MILE - INCLUDING ONCE ON A VERY BUSY ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER. THE ELECTRICAL ERROR BOARD LIT UP, THE TRANSMISSION REVERTED TO NEUTRAL OR PARK AND I COULD NOT PUT THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE. AFTER I TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, IT WENT INTO DRIVE B…

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THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING, FOUR TIMES IN ABOUT A MILE - INCLUDING ONCE ON A VERY BUSY ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER. THE ELECTRICAL ERROR BOARD LIT UP, THE TRANSMISSION REVERTED TO NEUTRAL OR PARK AND I COULD NOT PUT THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE. AFTER I TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON, IT WENT INTO DRIVE BUT ONLY FOR A SHORT WHILE BEFORE LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING AND IT STALLED AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10473270

29,000 miles · Jul 11, 2012
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN EXTREMELY STRONG BATTERY ACID ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND CLEANED THE ENTIRE UPHOLSTERY IN THE VEHICLE; HOWEV…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN EXTREMELY STRONG BATTERY ACID ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND CLEANED THE ENTIRE UPHOLSTERY IN THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER THE ODOR PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.

NHTSA ODI #10465285

23,687 miles · Nov 22, 2011
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

I WAS GLIDING INTO A COMMERCIAL PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR IN THE SECOND BEFORE I MOVED MY FOOT ONTO THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY, THE ACCELERATOR PUSHED DOWN BY ITSELF, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD TOWARDS THE TRUCK IN THE SPACE IN FRONT OF MINE. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE. END OF INCIDENT. NO MAT WAS IN THE WAY. I HAD TAKEN P…

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I WAS GLIDING INTO A COMMERCIAL PARKING SPACE WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR IN THE SECOND BEFORE I MOVED MY FOOT ONTO THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY, THE ACCELERATOR PUSHED DOWN BY ITSELF, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD TOWARDS THE TRUCK IN THE SPACE IN FRONT OF MINE. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE. END OF INCIDENT. NO MAT WAS IN THE WAY. I HAD TAKEN PART IN THE RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10436712

23,000 miles · Aug 15, 2011
Electrical System

RE: 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. APPROX. 23K MILES. ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2011 WE WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN - ALL SYSTEMS AND ALL INFORMATION DISPLAYS. IN SPITE OF COMPROMISED STEERING AND BRAKING WE WERE ABLE TO STOP CAR. CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE OTHER THAN BEING ABLE TO TURN …

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RE: 2009 TOYOTA PRIUS. APPROX. 23K MILES. ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 2011 WE WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN - ALL SYSTEMS AND ALL INFORMATION DISPLAYS. IN SPITE OF COMPROMISED STEERING AND BRAKING WE WERE ABLE TO STOP CAR. CAR WAS COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE OTHER THAN BEING ABLE TO TURN ON HAZARD SIGNAL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOYOTA DEALER. DEALER JUST INFORMED US THAT THE CAUSE WAS A WATER PUMP FAILURE WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO GO INTO A "SAFE" MODE SHUTTING DOWN THE CAR WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR TIME FOR THE DRIVER TO FIND A SAFE RESPONSE. UPON QUESTIONING, THE DEALER ALSO SAID THIS WOULD ALSO HAPPEN AT HIGHER SPEEDS WHICH IN OUR OPINION, COULD POSE A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION NOT ONLY FOR THE OPERATOR BUT FOR THOSE VEHICLES AROUND HIM. FURTHER WHEN ASKED, THE DEALER SAID IT DID NOT KNOW IF THE FAILURE OF ANY OTHER COMPONENTS WOULD CAUSE A SIMILAR SHUT-DOWN. OBVIOUSLY, TOYOTA'S DEFINITION OF "SAFE" MODE IS 180 DEGREES OFF AND THIS IS A SYSTEM DESIGN FLAW THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE IT RESULTS IN A TRAGEDY (IF IT HASN'T ALREADY DONE SO). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10419457

10,729 miles · Aug 12, 2011
Electrical System

THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER A SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY SEVEN DAYS. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE PURCHASED WHERE CHECKED AND JUMPED. I WAS TOLD TO NOT LET THE CAR SIT IDLE. TODAY I CONTACTED TOYOTA DIRECTLY AT 800-331-4221. I WAS GIVEN CASE # 1108121588. REPRESENTATIVES WERE VER…

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THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER A SITTING FOR APPROXIMATELY SEVEN DAYS. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE PURCHASED WHERE CHECKED AND JUMPED. I WAS TOLD TO NOT LET THE CAR SIT IDLE. TODAY I CONTACTED TOYOTA DIRECTLY AT 800-331-4221. I WAS GIVEN CASE # 1108121588. REPRESENTATIVES WERE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND CHECKED WITH TOYOTA TECHNICIANS FOR THE 2009 PRIUS. APPARENTLY, THE CAR SHOULD NOT SET FOR 4 TO 5 DAYS, (7 DAYS AT THE OUTSIDE) WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. CONCERN: DEALER AND TOYOTA DO NOT MENTION THIS SERIOUS FLAW. AS A SOLE FEMALE DRIVER IN THE HOUSEHOLD, I WOULD NO HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR GIVEN THIS VERY PERTINENT INFORMATION. IT MEANS THAT SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS TAKING THIS CAR TO THE AIRPORT FOR A TRIP IS NOT A PRUDENT POSSIBILITY. TRYING TO DO A PERSONAL PART TO USE LESS GAS AND LESSEN EMISSIONS COMES WITH A SERIOUS AND NOT STATED SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10419242

Official recalls

6

13V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seats

Jan 16, 2013

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

12V536000 · Engine And Engine Cooling; Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

Nov 14, 2012

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.

Consequence: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Engine And Engine Cooling

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.

Consequence: The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

12V537000 · Steering; Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector

Nov 14, 2012

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.

Consequence: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Steering

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.

Consequence: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

10V035000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.

10V036000 · Equipment:other:labels

Feb 3, 2010

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

09V388000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Oct 5, 2009

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN GET STUCK IN THE WIDE OPEN POSITION DUE TO ITS BEING TRAPPED BY AN UNSECURED OR INCOMPATIBLE DRIVER'S FLOOR MAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A STUCK OPEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN VERY HIGH VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: TOYOTA FILED AN AMENDED DEFECT REPORT ON NOVEMBER 25, 2009, STATING THAT DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ALTER THE SHAPE OF THE FLOOR SURFACE UNDER THE PEDAL. THESE CHANGES ADDRESS THE RISK OF PEDAL ENTRAPMENT DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE FLOOR MAT. REDESIGNED ACCELERATOR PEDALS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE BEGINNING IN APRIL 2010 AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY MODIFIED PEDAL WITH THE NEW PEDAL IF DESIRED. ALSO, DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY GENUINE TOYOTA OR LEXUS ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS WITH REDESIGNED ALL-WEATHER MATS, OR REPURCHASE THE PREVIOUS MATS FROM OWNERS WHO DO NOT WANT THE NEW ONES. ADDITIONALLY, SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS WILL BE INSTALLED ON CAMRY, AVALON AND LEXUS ES 350, IS 350 AND IS 250 MODELS THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE OVERRIDES THE ACCELERATOR IN THE EVENT BOTH BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE APPLIED. TOYOTA WILL BEGIN MAILING LETTERS TO OWNERS ON DECEMBER 31, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331, LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

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 pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP13001 · Intermediate Steering Shaft Separation

Opened Feb 21, 2013 · Closed Apr 8, 2020

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column; Steering:linkages

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606

Additional source detail variants (3)

Steering:column

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606

Steering:linkages

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606

Steering

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a January 2013 defect petition requesting that it open an investigation on Model Year (MY) 2004-2009 Toyota Prius vehicles to address a possible manufacturing safety defect related to the steering column intermediate shaft.During the defect petition evaluation, ODI: 1.Reviewed the petition and its enclosures; 2.Reviewed the subject steering system layout; 3.Examined the Petition Vehicle?s history, including its repair history; 4.Reviewed and followed-up potentially related consumer complaints; 5.Assessed Safety Recalls 06V-188 and 12V-537; and, 6.Requested and examined complaint, claim, field report, service history, and warranty information from Toyota.ODI's review revealed that the petition vehicle had been recalled (Recall 06V188) to remedy a defect in the system identified in the petition with the remedy taking place prior to the failure that prompted the petition. Circumstances point to incorrect reassembly of the petitioner's vehicle by those who performed the recall remedy.ODI examined the issues raised by this petition to identify any related safety defect trend in the general subject vehicle population.That review identified a low rate of related consumer complaints (twenty-five over a eight year period from a population of over 600,000 vehicles) and no pattern that would identify either a safety defect not already covered by the two existing steering safety recalls by Toyota or a systematic problem with either recall remedy.Based on this evaluation, ODI does not believe that additional investigation will lead to a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied. The denial of this petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information, see the Federal Register notice in the public file for this action (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle, select NHTSA ID, enter: DP13001)The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed on-line (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#vehicle) under the following NHTSA ID numbers:10407520, 10418710, 10429551, 10473654, 10478195, 10478053, 10437229, 10489425, 10510722, 10639984, 10648277, 10499778, 10712626, 10723196, 10787530, 10808124, 10838803, 11071646, 11098144, 11099507, 11102659, 11160767, 11192607, 11287550, 11287606