NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
33 reportsClear category filter102,500 miles · Sep 1, 2020
Electrical SystemService Brakes
ON AUGUST 28,2020 WE WERE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN FOR 1 1/2 HRS TO FAYETTEVILLE. OUR BRAKE ABS AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE ASSUMED THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF, WHEN WE DID NOT DRIVE IT DOING THE NIGHT, BUT NEXT MORNING IT CAME BACK ON. WE CARRIED TO MECHANIC SHOP TODAY SEPT. 1, 2020. THEY COULD NOT READ ANY ERRORS AND SAID NEED TO CA…
Read full complaint
ON AUGUST 28,2020 WE WERE DRIVING IN HEAVY RAIN FOR 1 1/2 HRS TO FAYETTEVILLE. OUR BRAKE ABS AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WE ASSUMED THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF, WHEN WE DID NOT DRIVE IT DOING THE NIGHT, BUT NEXT MORNING IT CAME BACK ON. WE CARRIED TO MECHANIC SHOP TODAY SEPT. 1, 2020. THEY COULD NOT READ ANY ERRORS AND SAID NEED TO CARRY IN TO A TOYOTA DEALER. WE HAVE NOT SET UP APT. JUST LEFT VM. HOPEFULLY THEY WILL CALL US BACK TODAY
NHTSA ODI #11352569
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
SPORATIC NON START. NOW EXTREMELY OFTEN,
NHTSA ODI #11348422
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructure
WHILE BEING DETAILED, PUDDLE LIGHT WAS SEEN SMOKING ON DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. IT MELTED THE BODY OF DOOR AND HAD TO BE REMOVED. I ALSO HAVE VIDEO OF IT SMOKING AND MELTING DOOR.
NHTSA ODI #11321209
39,450 miles · Sep 29, 2019
Electrical System
SOMETIMES THE CAR NOTHING IN THE CAR WILL LIGHT UP NOR WILL IT START. WE REPLACED THE BATTERY IN THE REAR. WE REPLACED THE FOB BATTERY. SOMETIMES WE OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND SHUT IT AND IT WILL MAKE THE DASH LIGHTS GO ON AND THE CAR WILL THEN STAT WHEN THE START BUTTON IS PUSHED. THE CAR REMAINS DEAD SOMETIMES NO MATTER HO…
Read full complaint
SOMETIMES THE CAR NOTHING IN THE CAR WILL LIGHT UP NOR WILL IT START. WE REPLACED THE BATTERY IN THE REAR. WE REPLACED THE FOB BATTERY. SOMETIMES WE OPEN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND SHUT IT AND IT WILL MAKE THE DASH LIGHTS GO ON AND THE CAR WILL THEN STAT WHEN THE START BUTTON IS PUSHED. THE CAR REMAINS DEAD SOMETIMES NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU OPEN AND CLOSE THE DRIVERS DOOR. COME BACK 15 MINUTES LATER AND THE LITTLE RED CAR LIGHT ON THE DASH IS BLINKING AND THE CAR THEN WILL START WHEN START BUTTON IS PUSHED. OTHER TIMES THE LITLE RED CAR LIGHT ON THE RIGHTSIDE BOTTOM OF THE DASH LIGHTS REMAINS OFF AND CAR REMAINS DEAD.
NHTSA ODI #11258853
Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2019
Electrical System
THE DRIVER DOOR AND PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS ONLY WORK SOMETIMES AND IT SEEMS TO BE A ELECTRICAL ISSUE BECAUSE I HAVE NOTICED OTHER ODD THINGS WITH THE ELECTRICAL IN THE CAR
NHTSA ODI #11258035
176,619 miles · Nov 13, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesCrash
THE CAR BRAKES FAILED AT LOW SPEEDS (10-15 MPH) AND BUMPED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT IN A STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC ON THE WET FREEWAY AFTER A RECENT RAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO TOUCH THE FLOOR, AS IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DISENGAGED FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE ABS LIGHT DID NOT TURN ON AT THE TIME OF BRAKING. THE CAR…
Read full complaint
THE CAR BRAKES FAILED AT LOW SPEEDS (10-15 MPH) AND BUMPED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT IN A STOP-AND-GO TRAFFIC ON THE WET FREEWAY AFTER A RECENT RAIN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO TOUCH THE FLOOR, AS IF THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DISENGAGED FROM THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND THE ABS LIGHT DID NOT TURN ON AT THE TIME OF BRAKING. THE CAR WAS DRIVING IN THE STRAIGHT LINE AND IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THIS I WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY BRAKE THE CAR ON THE VERY SAME TRIP. SO THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WITH THIS CAR, AS MY SPOUSE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE SIMILAR BRAKE FAILURE AT EVEN LOWER SPEEDS (<10 MPH) RESULTING IN TOUCHING THE CAR IN FRONT AND MINOR SCRATCH ON THE BUMPER. IT WAS A DRY DAY THEN AND ALMOST SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES. ASSOCIATED GEICO CLAIM NUMBER IS 0423477190101054. WE OPENED A CASE WITH TOYOTA TO CHECK THE DATA RECORDER. ASSOCIATED TOYOTA CASE NUMBER IS 181112370.
NHTSA ODI #11151142
40,000 miles · Jan 19, 2018
Electrical SystemSeatsFire
ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018 I FOUNT THE CAR SEAT SEVERELY SMOLDERING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CARE WAS FILLED WITH BROWN SMOKE AND TOXIC FUMES. THE SEAT WAS COMPLETELY BURNED AND MELTED AND TOXIC RESIDUE. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE WITH WATER. CAR SEAT HEATER APPARENTLY DID NOT TURN OFF AND SMOLDERED ALL NIGHT. TOYOTA G…
Read full complaint
ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018 I FOUNT THE CAR SEAT SEVERELY SMOLDERING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CARE WAS FILLED WITH BROWN SMOKE AND TOXIC FUMES. THE SEAT WAS COMPLETELY BURNED AND MELTED AND TOXIC RESIDUE. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE WITH WATER. CAR SEAT HEATER APPARENTLY DID NOT TURN OFF AND SMOLDERED ALL NIGHT. TOYOTA GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND, DELAYING INVESTIGATION AT LEAST 5 WEEKS OR MORE. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN GARAGE, LAST DRIVEN BRIEF DISTANCE EVENING BEFORE. GARAGE NOW WITH TOXIC FUMES AND RESIDUE. CAR LIKELY TOTALED, AND TOYOTA TRYING TO GET OUT OF ANY ASSISTANCE/RESPONSIBILITY. THEY ARE ON PURPOSE BEING VERY DIFFICULT, AND FORCING ME TO COMPLY WITH THEIR AGENDA, OR LOSE OPTION FOR THEIR TAKING SOME RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA ODI #11063809
36,000 miles · Aug 16, 2017
Electrical System
ELECTRIC BURNING SMELL EMANATING FROM FRONT OF CAR SMELL COMING QUESTIONABLY THROUGH AIR DUCTS WHICH COMES/GOES AND IS NOTED UPON STARTING CAR AND FOR FIVE MINUTES DURATION AFTER START. INCREASE INCIDENCE OF BURNING SMELL ON DAYS WHEN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE IS 90 OR HIGHER. I WONDER IF I AM INHALING TOXIC FUMES . WILL CONSIDER …
Read full complaint
ELECTRIC BURNING SMELL EMANATING FROM FRONT OF CAR SMELL COMING QUESTIONABLY THROUGH AIR DUCTS WHICH COMES/GOES AND IS NOTED UPON STARTING CAR AND FOR FIVE MINUTES DURATION AFTER START. INCREASE INCIDENCE OF BURNING SMELL ON DAYS WHEN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE IS 90 OR HIGHER. I WONDER IF I AM INHALING TOXIC FUMES . WILL CONSIDER REPORT OF PROBLEM TO THE EPA. CHECKED BY POHANKA TOYOTA IN EARLY SUMMER "COULD NOT DUPLICATE SMELL PROBLEM" NO FOLLOW-UP. REPORT MADE TO TOYOTA MOTORS PER EMAIL AND TO REPRESENTATIVE AS WELL AT TOYOTA. STATED " WE WILL REPORT YOUR ISSUE TO THE ADMINISTRATION; "NO RECOMMENDED FOLLOW-UP. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THERE ARE SEVERAL MODELS OF TOYOTAS WITH SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. IT IS ABOUT TIME THERE WOULD BE A RECALL AND SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS BLOCK BELOW ASKING WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN IS FORCED CHOICE FOR DATE(SO NOT ACCURATE REFLECTION OF THE PROBLEM); THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON/OFF SINCE MAY 2017 S. I DID INFORM THE TOYOTA REP BY PHONE THAT I WOULD FILE A COMPLAINT WITH MY STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU.
NHTSA ODI #11015750
35,000 miles · May 16, 2017
Electrical System
RODENTS CHEWED ELECTRICAL WIRING MAKING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE ELECTRONIC SENSORS WERE RENDERED INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY GARAGE FOR THE WEEK END. NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MY OTHER VEHICLES PARKED IN SAME GARAGE! REPAIR COST,NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY WAS $ 1100.00.
NHTSA ODI #10986015
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
RODENTS CHEWED THROUGH MAJORITY OF THE WIRING UNDER THE HOOD AND BUILD NESTS IN THE ENGINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE AND I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR 5 MONTHS AND COST ME A LOT OF MONEY FOR REPAIRS WHICH TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER AND SAID IT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR USING THESE SOY BASED WIRES THAT ATTRACTS RODENTS.
NHTSA ODI #10948489
Official recalls
3Jun 24, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. 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: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
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.
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.
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
3DP23005 · 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.
Illustration