NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
51 reportsClear category filter5,943 miles · Jun 8, 2014
Electrical SystemTires
FIRST, UNDERSTAND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, NO ONE GOT HURT, AND IT DIDN'T COST ME A DIME. THE DEALER AND WARRANTY PICKED UP THE FULL TAB. ALL IT COST ME WAS A LITTLE AGGRAVATION. HOWEVER, I FEEL IT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. IT STARTED WHEN I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I REMOVED THE FLAT AND PUT ON THE SPARE, NO PROBLEM. THE TIRE HAD A SIDEW…
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FIRST, UNDERSTAND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, NO ONE GOT HURT, AND IT DIDN'T COST ME A DIME. THE DEALER AND WARRANTY PICKED UP THE FULL TAB. ALL IT COST ME WAS A LITTLE AGGRAVATION. HOWEVER, I FEEL IT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. IT STARTED WHEN I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I REMOVED THE FLAT AND PUT ON THE SPARE, NO PROBLEM. THE TIRE HAD A SIDEWALL PUNCTURE SO FIRST THING MONDAY I TOOK IT TO GK TIRE & AUTO FOR REPLACEMENT. THEY MOUNTED A NEW TIRE AND PUT THE SPARE BACK IN THE TRUNK. THAT IS WHERE THINGS WENT WRONG. MY PRIUS WOULD NOT START. I CALLED THE DEALER. THE DEALER SENT A TOW TRUCK AND HAULED THE PRIUS OFF. THE NEXT DAY THEY CALLED TO SAY IT WAS FIXED. THE SERVICE TICKET SAID "PULLED CODE P0A0D...CLEARED CODES, AND CHECKED SERVICE PLUG. FOUND PARTIALLY PULLED OUT." ... "INSTALLED SERVICE PLUG ALL THE WAY AND TEST DROVE VEHICLE. GOOD, DONE". BECAUSE GK TIRE HAD NO REASON TO BE ANYWHERE BUT IN THE TRUNK I ASSUME THAT IS WHERE THE 'SERVICE PLUG' IS AND THEY KNOCKED IT OUT OF PLACE WHEN THEY RE STOWED THE SPARE. MY PROBLEM IS THAT IF THE TIRE PEOPLE COULD DO THAT, THEN I MIGHT HAVE DONE THAT. AND, IF I HAD DONE THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE, OR EVEN WORSE, THE CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY. I WOULD NOT EXPECT THAT I WOULD HAVE TO TREAT THE TIRE COMPARTMENT OF A TRUNK LIKE A FINE SWISS WATCH. IF THAT WAS THE PROBLEM, I CONSIDER IT A DESIGN DEFICIENCY. WHEN GK TIRE PUT IT ON THE LIFT? STILL A DESIGN DEFICIENCY. IT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10596970
9,500 miles · Jun 8, 2014
Electrical System
SMART KEY WAS IN CAR AND CAR LOCKED ANYWAY FROM DOOR ACTIVATION. CAR ISN'T SUPPOSED TO LOCK IF KEY IS IN CAR. I CALLED DEALERSHIP BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. A SECOND KEY HAD TO BE BROUGHT FROM HOME AND USED TO GAIN ENTRY. FORTUNATELY, NO CHILD OR ANIMAL WAS IN CAR AS WEATHER WAS IN UPPER 70S SO EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD HAVE BEE…
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SMART KEY WAS IN CAR AND CAR LOCKED ANYWAY FROM DOOR ACTIVATION. CAR ISN'T SUPPOSED TO LOCK IF KEY IS IN CAR. I CALLED DEALERSHIP BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. A SECOND KEY HAD TO BE BROUGHT FROM HOME AND USED TO GAIN ENTRY. FORTUNATELY, NO CHILD OR ANIMAL WAS IN CAR AS WEATHER WAS IN UPPER 70S SO EXCESSIVE HEAT COULD HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10596944
3,246 miles · May 10, 2014
Electrical System
DASHBOARD LIGHTS CONTINUALLY TO LOSE ITS DISPLAY LIGHTING. DASHBOARD GOES DARK AND CAN REMAIN THAT WAY FOR MANY MILES. DEALERSHIP SAYS DASHBOARD LIGHTS WORK AS DESIGNED. THIS WILL HAPPEN WITH HEADLIGHTS ON AND DURING THE DAY. DRIVING UNDER A SHADED AREA (SUCH AS UNDER AN OVER PASS OR A SIGN) THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WILL GO OUT COMP…
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DASHBOARD LIGHTS CONTINUALLY TO LOSE ITS DISPLAY LIGHTING. DASHBOARD GOES DARK AND CAN REMAIN THAT WAY FOR MANY MILES. DEALERSHIP SAYS DASHBOARD LIGHTS WORK AS DESIGNED. THIS WILL HAPPEN WITH HEADLIGHTS ON AND DURING THE DAY. DRIVING UNDER A SHADED AREA (SUCH AS UNDER AN OVER PASS OR A SIGN) THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WILL GO OUT COMPLETELY DARK AND SOMETIMES RETURN TO NORMAL AFTER RETURNING TO THE SUN LIGHT AREA. RECENTLY THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS DID NOT RETURN TO NORMAL AFTER GOING UNDER A SHADE SIGN (DURING THE DAY) AND I CONTINUED TO DRIVE FOR OVER 5 MILES. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND ON RETURNED THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS TO NORMAL OR ADJUSTING THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS WITH THE SWITCH WHILE DRIVING. DEALERSHIP HAS LOOKED AT THIS ISSUE OVER 3 TIMES AND HAS INDICATED THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS WORK THE SAME AS OTHER 2013 PRIUS. I CAN PROVIDE A VIDEO SHOWING THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS GOING COMPLETE DARK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10587572
Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructure
WHEN I TURN ON THE LOW BEAM OF THE HEADLIGHTS THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT SHADOW ON THE UPPER HALF OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT GREATLY DIMINISHES VISIBILITY. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR ITS 6 MONTHS SERVICE A FEW WEEKS AGO THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM BUT SAID THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO FIX IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10574378
3,000 miles · Nov 12, 2013
Electrical SystemPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE WAS DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND RADIO CONSOLE FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AFTER STARTING THE V…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS 5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE WAS DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND RADIO CONSOLE FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,900.
NHTSA ODI #10551864
Mileage unknown · Sep 10, 2013
Electrical SystemEquipment Adaptive/mobility
EVERY TIME I RECEIVED CALL ON MY CELL BLUETOOTH SEEMS LIKE VOICE BREAKING UP. IT IS NOT THE PHONE PROBLEM. I HAVE CHECKED THE SAME PHONE IN MY OTHER CARS AND WORKS FINE. THIS BLUETOOTH NEEDS SOFTWARE UPGRADE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10542900
2,000 miles · Jul 18, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR--ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS--THE DASH LIGHTS ALL ILLUMINATE AT ONCE, FOLLOWED BY UNRESPONSIVE CONTROLS FOR A FEW SECONDS. THEN THE DASH LIGHTS GO OUT (RETURN TO NORMAL) AND NORMAL CONTROLS AND ACCELERATION RETURN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10525574
2,350 miles · Jul 18, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR'S DASH LIT UP AND THE CAR'S ENGINE DIED AND THEN RESTARTED. THE FUEL QUANTITY DISPLAYED, DECREASED BY THREE BARS BEFORE RETURNING TO IT'S NORMAL--ACCURATE--LEVEL. THE CAR THEN DROVE NORMALLY AND ALLOWED ME TO GET IT INTO THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10525572
2,300 miles · Jul 18, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT THE CAR'S ELECTRONICS MADE A BEEPING NOISE, ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, THE GAS GAUGE DISPLAYED A RAPIDLY DROPPING QUANTITY, THEN WENT BACK UP TO HALF FULL. A RED TRIANGLE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASH DURING THIS TIME. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED AND UNABLE TO MOVE AND…
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WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT THE CAR'S ELECTRONICS MADE A BEEPING NOISE, ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, THE GAS GAUGE DISPLAYED A RAPIDLY DROPPING QUANTITY, THEN WENT BACK UP TO HALF FULL. A RED TRIANGLE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASH DURING THIS TIME. DURING THIS TIME, THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DISABLED AND UNABLE TO MOVE AND WAS SITTING IN THE INTERSECTION. I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO RESTART THE CAR, THE DASH LIGHTS WOULD COME ON, BUT THE CAR WASN'T ACTUALLY RUNNING OR RESPONDING TO PEDAL INPUTS. AFTER 7 MINUTES THE CAR FINALLY STARTED BACK UP AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP. I LEFT THE CAR'S ENGINE RUNNING (EV MODE WHILE PARKED) AND THEY HOOKED IT UP TO THE COMPUTER. THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN, TWO DAYS AFTER THE DEALERSHIP GAVE ME MY CAR BACK (THEY KEPT IT THAT WEEKEND). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10525571
113 miles · Jul 12, 2013
Electrical System
WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE A LOUD BEEPING IS HEARD INSIDE THE CABIN. WE AREN'T SURE OF ITS PURPOSE AS THE BEEPING CANNOT BE HEARD OUTSIDE OF THE CAR IF THE WINDOWS ARE UP OR IF THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN AND THE RADIO IS ON. THE BEEP CAN ONLY BE FAINTLY HEARD OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IF THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN AND THERE IS NO O…
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WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE A LOUD BEEPING IS HEARD INSIDE THE CABIN. WE AREN'T SURE OF ITS PURPOSE AS THE BEEPING CANNOT BE HEARD OUTSIDE OF THE CAR IF THE WINDOWS ARE UP OR IF THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN AND THE RADIO IS ON. THE BEEP CAN ONLY BE FAINTLY HEARD OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IF THE WINDOWS ARE DOWN AND THERE IS NO OTHER NOISE. BECAUSE THE BEEPING IS SO LOUD IN THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER CANNOT HEAR SHOUTS, SCREAMS OR OTHER DISTRESS SIGNALS TO ALERT THEM OF A HAZARD WHEN BACKING UP. THE BEEPING IS LOUD AND CONSTANT AND IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE NEARNESS OF AN OBJECT, AS WITH OTHER VEHICLE BEEPING BACKUP SYSTEMS. THE LOUD BEEPING CREATES A HAZARD BY DISTRACTING THE DRIVER AND NOT ALERTING PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10524619
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.
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