IllustrationI WAS DRIVING 15 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STALLED AND STATED, "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM". STOPPED THE CARE RIGHT AWAY CALLED AAA AND TOOK IT TO A TOYOTA FACILITY WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED INVERTER, WHICH IS PART OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND MUST BE ADDRESSED. *TR
2010 Toyota Prius
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Prius years
Owner complaints for the 2010 Toyota Prius are substantially higher than the model-year median of 164.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Prius years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1,4880–25K
14825–50K
12650–75K
13675–100K
221100–150K
145150K+
2,264 reports with mileage · 558 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.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 849 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes. Review the 593 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Electric. Review the 502 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
183 crash reports13 fire reports48 injury reports
Engine complaints
140 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY BUT THE FAILURE LATER RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE VOLT BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY BUT THE FAILURE LATER RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE VOLT BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,312. ..UPDATED 10/30/13 *BF UPDATED 10/31/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT PUT THE ENGINE GUARD ON THE VEHICLE PROPERLY, THE ENGINE COVER DETACHED, THE TIRES WENT FLAT FREQUENTLY, LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND THE BATTERY COMPLETELY POWERED OFF. A SEPARATE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WAS AT 60 MPH THE VEHICLE POWERED OFF 10 WITHIN 10 MINUTES ON THE SAME DAY DURING RUSH HOUR. UPDATED 11/4/2013 *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE POWERED OFF TWICE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, SHE WAS DRIVING 15 MPH AND THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED SHE WAS DRIVING 60 MPH AND SHE LOST POWER ALL TOGETHER.
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN ALBANY, NY AREA, SLOWED DOWN TO GO THROUGH TOLLBOOTH AS I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO CONTINUE ON HIGHWAY, CHECK HYBRID LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE ABRUPTLY STOPPED. I WAS ABLE TO COAST THE CAR FROM LEFT LANE OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. TURNED OFF CAR AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT THE …
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DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN ALBANY, NY AREA, SLOWED DOWN TO GO THROUGH TOLLBOOTH AS I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO CONTINUE ON HIGHWAY, CHECK HYBRID LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE ABRUPTLY STOPPED. I WAS ABLE TO COAST THE CAR FROM LEFT LANE OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. TURNED OFF CAR AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOUND THAT THE POWER INVERTER HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ERROR CODES LISTED BY DEALER: P0A94 DC/DC CONVERTER PERFORMANCE. *TR
AT ABOUT 125,000 MILES, THE ENGINE WARNED ME OF LOW OIL. IT WAS THE FIRST SUCH WARNING EVER WITH THIS VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME I COULD SECURE ONLY 2 QUARTS OF THE REQUIRED SYNTHETIC OIL AND IT WAS STILL OVER 1 QUART LOW. ABOUT 500 MILES LATER I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA CHULA VISTA AND EXPLAINED. THEY ADDED 3 MORE QUARTS OF OIL A…
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AT ABOUT 125,000 MILES, THE ENGINE WARNED ME OF LOW OIL. IT WAS THE FIRST SUCH WARNING EVER WITH THIS VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME I COULD SECURE ONLY 2 QUARTS OF THE REQUIRED SYNTHETIC OIL AND IT WAS STILL OVER 1 QUART LOW. ABOUT 500 MILES LATER I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA CHULA VISTA AND EXPLAINED. THEY ADDED 3 MORE QUARTS OF OIL AND SUGGESTED A SERIES OF OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS. I CALLED TOYOTA MOTOR USA CONSUMER RELATIONS AND OPENED A CASE INDICATING THAT I WAS CONSUMING (BURNING NOT DRIPPING) 1 TO 2 QUARTS PER 1,000 MILES AND MY MPG HAD DECREASED FROM 46 AVG TO 35 AVG. THE OIL CONSUMPTION OVER THE NEXT 3 MONTHS AVERAGED 1 QT/600 MILES AND MY AVG MPG DETERIORATED FURTHER TO 29 MPG. IN JULY TOYOTA CHULA VISTA PERFORMED A TEARDOWN AND ENDED UP REPLACING THE LOWER ENGINE, CYLINDERS RINGS, AND VALVES. I WAS INFORMED THAT OTHER 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS ENGINES EXHIBITED FAILURE/WEAR OF THE CYLINDER WALLS AT ABOUT THE SAME MILEAGE. FIELD TECHS WERE CONTACTED AGAIN BY THE CHULA VISTA SERVICE MGR AND I CONTACTED TOYOTA NATIONAL SEEKING SOME ASSISTANCE IN THE $6,400 REPAIR BILL. BOTH LOCAL FIELD REP AND NATIONAL DECLINED THOSE REQUESTS. WHAT GOOD IS A 10 YEAR HYBRID BATTERY WITH A 3 YEAR ENGINE? *TR
CAR OCCASIONALLY UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATES WHEN HITTING A BUMP FOR MAYBE A SECOND. DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS AS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC SIGNAL. HAPPENS MAYBE ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS. *TR
I HAVE A 2010 PRIUS VIN:[XXX] WITH 37,000 MILES. THE CAR EXPERIENCES RANDOM LOSSES OF POWER DURING WHICH THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AND DOES NOT ACTIVATE NO MATTER HOW HARD I PUMP THE ACCELERATOR. ONCE I TURN OFF AND PUSH AGAIN THE START BUTTON, THE ENGINE STARTS UP WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM AND I CAN CONTINUE ON MY WAY. I HAVE EXPERIEN…
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I HAVE A 2010 PRIUS VIN:[XXX] WITH 37,000 MILES. THE CAR EXPERIENCES RANDOM LOSSES OF POWER DURING WHICH THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AND DOES NOT ACTIVATE NO MATTER HOW HARD I PUMP THE ACCELERATOR. ONCE I TURN OFF AND PUSH AGAIN THE START BUTTON, THE ENGINE STARTS UP WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM AND I CAN CONTINUE ON MY WAY. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM 5 TIMES SINCE SEPTEMBER 2012. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER (CALDWELL TOYOTA, NJ) WHERE IT WAS EXAMINED AND THEY TOLD ME THE ONBOARD COMPUTER DID NOT RECORD ANY MALFUNCTION. I AM GETTING WORRIED SINCE SOME OF THE POWER LOSSES HAPPENED WHEN I WAS ON HIGHWAYS AT SPEEDS OVER 60MPH AND I HAD TO COAST TO A STOP IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHETHER OTHER PRIUS OWNERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND WHETHER YOU HAVE SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO PROCEED [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE ONTO A TWO-LANE HIGHWAY. BECAUSE OF A SLOW AND SHARP U-TURN WHICH PRECEDES THE SHORT ON-RAMP, I DISABLED THE ECO MODE FOR BETTER ACCELERATION. WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE GAS, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY EMITTED A LOUD SOUND, BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND WAS UNABLE TO GAIN ADDITIONAL SPEE…
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THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE ONTO A TWO-LANE HIGHWAY. BECAUSE OF A SLOW AND SHARP U-TURN WHICH PRECEDES THE SHORT ON-RAMP, I DISABLED THE ECO MODE FOR BETTER ACCELERATION. WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON THE GAS, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY EMITTED A LOUD SOUND, BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND WAS UNABLE TO GAIN ADDITIONAL SPEED. EVEN SO, THERE WAS NO OTHER OPTION BUT TO MERGE ONTO THE ROADWAY WHILE DOING NO MORE THAN 30 MPH. IN THE MEANTIME, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED A "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM" MESSAGE ALONG WITH SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS. I MANAGED TO AVOID ONCOMING TRAFFIC (FROM BEHIND) AND SAFELY PULLED ONTO THE GRASS. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WERE UNSUCCESSFUL WITH THE PREVIOUS MESSAGE REAPPEARING EACH TIME. THE CAR REQUIRED A TOW TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALER. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THEM THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY, AND THEY EXPLAINED THE CAUSE TO BE A DEFECTIVE INVERTER BASED ON THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE. FORTUNATELY, THE REPAIR WILL BE COVERED UNDER TOYOTA'S HYBRID WARRANTY. IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN AND I AM HOPEFUL THIS REPAIR WILL FULLY RESOLVE THE ISSUE. *TR
INCIDENT #1 BRAKE: ON JANUARY 17, 2013 AS I WAS ENTERING THE INTERSECTION ABOUT 20MPH, I APPLIED MY BRAKES, BUT THEY WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND WARNING LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. I PRESSED BRAKES VERY HARD AND CAR ALMOST STOP, THEN, ITS BRAKES GAVE UP. THERE IS SUDDEN SLIGHT "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" AND I ALMOST HIT …
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INCIDENT #1 BRAKE: ON JANUARY 17, 2013 AS I WAS ENTERING THE INTERSECTION ABOUT 20MPH, I APPLIED MY BRAKES, BUT THEY WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND WARNING LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. I PRESSED BRAKES VERY HARD AND CAR ALMOST STOP, THEN, ITS BRAKES GAVE UP. THERE IS SUDDEN SLIGHT "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" AND I ALMOST HIT CAR FRONT OF ME. BUT, I AM ABLE TO MANAGE TO DROVE THE CAR INTO THE CENTER ISLAND. BRAKE WAS TOTALLY OUT, AND THE CAR STARTED DROVE BY ITSELF. I PANICKED AND PRESSED POWER BUTTON TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. CAR DROVE ABOUT 15 FEET AND STOPPED. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, I TOW MY CAR TO THE DEALER, THEY TOLD ME THAT LOST BRAKE IS DUE TO SHORT CIRCUIT MADE DOMINO EFFECT TO MULTIPLE COMPUTERS MALFUNCTION. THEY WILL REPLACE WHOLE COMPUTER SYSTEM, BUT SERVICE MAN WOULD NOT GUARANTEE IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. INCIDENT #2 POWER FAILED AND SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY. ON DECEMBER, 2012 AND JANUARY 2013. I WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY AND TRYING TO MERGE INTO THE CENTER LINE, CAR STALLED AND PROMPTED "KEY DOES NOT DETECT" MESSAGE ON THE SCREEN. I ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND BY ANOTHER CAR. WHILE THE CAR STILL HAS A SPEED ABOUT 40MPH, I MANAGED TO RESTART THE CAR BY DEPRESSED BRAKE AND PRESS POWER BOTTOM. IT IS TRUE THIS CAR LOSE BRAKE AND DOES SLIGHT "ACCELERATE". *TR
WHILE MAKING A U TURN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING ILLUMINATED. THE CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THERE WAS OIL IN THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSED BY OVERFILLING AND THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH OIL OVERFILLS ON PRIUS VEHICLES. THE LAST OIL CHANGE HAD BEEN 8,000 MILES AND…
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WHILE MAKING A U TURN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING ILLUMINATED. THE CAR DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE DEALER CLAIMED THAT THERE WAS OIL IN THE THROTTLE BODY CAUSED BY OVERFILLING AND THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH OIL OVERFILLS ON PRIUS VEHICLES. THE LAST OIL CHANGE HAD BEEN 8,000 MILES AND MORE THAN 2 MONTHS PREVIOUS. THE PLACE THAT PERFORMED THE OIL CHANGE AGREED TO LOOK AT CAR AND CLEAN THE THROTTLE BODY. THEY ALSO CHECKED THE OIL AND MADE SURE IT WAS CORRECT LEVEL. THREE WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING OCCURRED. THIS TIME THE CAR LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CAR DIED ON A FREEWAY TRANSITION OVER PASS AND WE WERE STRANDED ON THE FREEWAY IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED IT WAS THE SAME THING. THE OIL CHANGE PLACE SAYS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY IS THIS THE PROBLEM SINCE THEY LOOKED AT IT VERY CLOSELY THE LAST TIME. I REQUESTED TOYOTA TO SEND OUT A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE TO CONFIRM THAT THIS WAS THE CAUSE. THEY REFUSED. COMPUTER CODES P3190 AND P0A0F HV. *TR
2010 TOYOTA PRIUS AT DEALERSHIP FOR 25000 MILE SERVICE. ON 11/07/2012 AT 1700 THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND REPORTED THAT THE CAR IS "INFESTED WITH RODENTS." STATED THAT HEADLINER IS SATURATED WITH URINE/ FECES, AIR AND CABIN AIR FILTERS DESTROYED, WIRES CHEWED, RODENTS FOUND TO BE LIVING IN DASHBOARD, IN DOOR INTERIORS, AND OTHER…
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2010 TOYOTA PRIUS AT DEALERSHIP FOR 25000 MILE SERVICE. ON 11/07/2012 AT 1700 THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND REPORTED THAT THE CAR IS "INFESTED WITH RODENTS." STATED THAT HEADLINER IS SATURATED WITH URINE/ FECES, AIR AND CABIN AIR FILTERS DESTROYED, WIRES CHEWED, RODENTS FOUND TO BE LIVING IN DASHBOARD, IN DOOR INTERIORS, AND OTHER AREAS. REPORTED THAT THIS WAS "THE WORST CASE WE'VE SEEN." CAR IS OWNED BY TWO PROFESSIONALS- NO CHILDREN WHO WOULD HAVE DROPPED FOOD AND NO FOOD EVER EATEN IN VEHICLE. PURCHASED NEW FROM THIS SAME DEALERSHIP 01/02/2011. DEALERSHIP NOW REPORTS THAT THE CAR IS A HEALTH/ SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD COST "THOUSANDS" TO REPAIR. OUR INTERNET RESEARCH REVEALED THAT RODENT INFESTATION IS COMMON IN THE TOYOTA PRIUS, REPORTEDLY BECAUSE RODENTS ARE ABLE TO GAIN EASY ACCESS THROUGH THE CAR'S VENTILATION SYSTEM. OWNERS REPORTED CONTACTING TOYOTA, WHO DENIED LIABILITY AND DENIED REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE. *TR
Official recalls
1018V684000 · Hybrid Propulsion System
Oct 4, 2018
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
16V487000 · Air Bags:side/window
Jun 30, 2016
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.
16V396000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
14V743000 · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
Nov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
14V053000 · Electrical System:software; Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Feb 12, 2014
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical System:software
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.
Consequence: The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
13V235000 · Service Brakes
Jun 5, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Prius vehicles manufactured March 31, 2009, through October 9, 2009; and model year 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured June 19, 2009, through October 9, 2009. Nitrogen gas from a component of the brake booster pump assembly could leak into the brake fluid.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: As nitrogen is released into the brake fluid, the brake pedal may have reduced hydraulic pressure. Under certain circumstances, this condition could affect stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected brake booster pump assemblies. The recall began on August 7, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
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.
10V039000 · Service Brakes, Air:antilock:control Unit/module
Feb 9, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS AND LEXUS HS250H PASSENGER VEHICLES. CUSTOMERS HAVE EXPERIENCED INCONSISTENT BRAKE FEEL AFTER ABS ACTUATION DURING SLOW AND STEADY APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES ON ROUGH OR SLICK ROAD SURFACES. STOPPING DISTANCES MAY BE INCREASED COMPARED WITH A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION FOR A GIVEN PEDAL FORCE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCES MAY INCREASE RELATIVE TO A CUSTOMER'S EXPECTATION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REWRITE THE PROGRAMMING OF THE ABS CONTROL UNIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 3, 2010, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE MARCH 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
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.
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
4DP23005 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Opened Nov 22, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.
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.
DP19004 · Brake Actuator Valve Wear
Opened Sep 30, 2019 · Closed Jan 21, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
On September 19, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a defect petition from Mr. Roger Hogan requesting that the Agency investigate and recall certain Toyota Prius, Prius PHV, Camry Hybrid and Avalon Hybrid vehicles for a brake actuator valve wear condition covered under Toyota Customer Support Programs ZJB and ZKK (subject CSP?s). In support of his request, the petitioner identified 117 NHTSA complaints allegedly related to the subject CSP condition, including 60 reporting crashes. On September 30, 2019, ODI opened Defect Petition DP19-004 to evaluate the petitioner?s request for an investigation. In August 2020, the petitioner notified the Agency that he was withdrawing his petition. Because the petitioner has withdrawn the petition, we are denying the petition as moot and no further analysis of this petition is necessary.NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Because the petitioner has with withdrawn the petition, the petition is denied as moot. This action does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency notes that it is not required to receive a defect petition prior to opening a defect investigation and will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.
PE10006 · Braking Performance, Hybrid Vehicle
Opened Feb 3, 2010 · Closed Jul 12, 2010
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module ; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.
Additional source detail variants (7)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:hydraulic
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The subject vehicles are the first model year of a new design generation of the Prius model line.The vehicles are powered by a hybrid drive system that uses both a regenerative braking system, which converts vehicle momentum into electrical energy to be stored in onboard batteries, and a hydraulic brake system more typical of the brake system used on non-hybrid vehicles.As is the case for other similarly designed hybrid vehicles the interaction and management of the two braking systems during ABS braking is complex and requires a sophisticated control system.In a February 9, 2010 Defect Information Report, Toyota advised the agency of its plans to conduct a safety recall to address inconsistent brake feel and increased stopping distances that may occur during braking events requiring ABS operation, such as would occur when braking on rough or low friction road surfaces.Toyota will reprogram the ABS control unit with improved software that addresses this condition.Based on Toyota's action the investigation is closed. ODI will continue to monitor the subject vehicles' performance and will take further action as future circumstances dictate.