OUR 2013 PRIUS BURNS OUT THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT EVERY THREE MONTHS. IT'S NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE TO DRIVE WITH ONLY ONE HEADLIGHT. IT BURNS OUT WHILE MOVING, STATIONARY, ANY TIME AND IT HAS DISCOLORATION LIKE EXCESSIVE HEAT WAS APPLIED.
2013 Toyota Prius
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Prius years
Owner complaints for the 2013 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
174 reports with mileage · 235 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. Review the 229 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
409 reportsEXCESSIVE OIL BURNING.
THE CAR GAVE A TRIANGLE OF DEATH AND LOOKED IT UP IF ANY RECALLS HAD BEEN MADE THAT COULD POSSIBLE CAUSE THIS ISSUE AND THERE WAS 1 THAT CALLED FOR AN UPDATE TO THE SYSTEM WHICH I HAD DONE AND THEY HAD TOLD ME IF IT DIDN'T TAKE THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO THE INVERTOR WHICH WAS APART OF THE RECALL. A WEEK AFTER THE SYSTEM UPDATE THE S…
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THE CAR GAVE A TRIANGLE OF DEATH AND LOOKED IT UP IF ANY RECALLS HAD BEEN MADE THAT COULD POSSIBLE CAUSE THIS ISSUE AND THERE WAS 1 THAT CALLED FOR AN UPDATE TO THE SYSTEM WHICH I HAD DONE AND THEY HAD TOLD ME IF IT DIDN'T TAKE THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO THE INVERTOR WHICH WAS APART OF THE RECALL. A WEEK AFTER THE SYSTEM UPDATE THE SAME ISSUE AROSE AND THEY REFUSED TO REPLACE THE INVERTOR WHICH DRAINED THE HYBRID BATTERY AND RUINED IT ALSO . THIS EFFECTS THE DRIVING ABILITY AND CAUSES THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN THE LIGHTS TO NOT WORK . IT CAN STALE AT ANY GIVEN TIME AND WILL NOT HAVE POWER TO CONTINUE
I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH RODENTS GETTING INTO MY CAR. I FEAR THAT THEY ARE CHEWING ON ELECTRICAL WIRING AND THERE IS POSSIBLE DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER. WHEN I WAS DRIVING (CAR WAS MOVING) A MOUSE CRAWLED UP ON MY SHOULDER. THESE PROBLEMS APPEAR TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL TOYOTA AND COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER …
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I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH RODENTS GETTING INTO MY CAR. I FEAR THAT THEY ARE CHEWING ON ELECTRICAL WIRING AND THERE IS POSSIBLE DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER. WHEN I WAS DRIVING (CAR WAS MOVING) A MOUSE CRAWLED UP ON MY SHOULDER. THESE PROBLEMS APPEAR TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL TOYOTA AND COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER AND A DRIVING ISSUE WITH WIRING.
MY BRAKES DON'T WORK LIKE THEY NORMALLY DO. THEY ARE HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SPONGY. THE TRACTION CONTROL, ABS, BRAKE AND A ROUND WITH AN EXCLAMATION PINT LIGHT IS ON. IT GOES AWAY AND IT COMES BACK AND ITS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING AND ONCE I TRY TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL IS HARD. FIRST TIME IT HAPPEN…
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MY BRAKES DON'T WORK LIKE THEY NORMALLY DO. THEY ARE HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SPONGY. THE TRACTION CONTROL, ABS, BRAKE AND A ROUND WITH AN EXCLAMATION PINT LIGHT IS ON. IT GOES AWAY AND IT COMES BACK AND ITS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DRIVING AND ONCE I TRY TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL IS HARD. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I ALMOST HIT A CAR INFANT OF ME AT A STOP LIGHT. *TR
VEHICLE BRAKE ACTUATOR CONTINUOUSLY PUMPING AND RUNNING EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF OR STOPPED, ABS LIGHTS CAN LIGHT UP UNDER MODERATE BRAKING ON DRY ROADS. EARLIER GENERATIONS OF THE PRIUS HAD SIMILAR ISSUES AND TOYOTA ADDED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO COVER A RATHER EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT COULD COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. T…
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VEHICLE BRAKE ACTUATOR CONTINUOUSLY PUMPING AND RUNNING EVEN WHEN VEHICLE IS OFF OR STOPPED, ABS LIGHTS CAN LIGHT UP UNDER MODERATE BRAKING ON DRY ROADS. EARLIER GENERATIONS OF THE PRIUS HAD SIMILAR ISSUES AND TOYOTA ADDED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO COVER A RATHER EXPENSIVE REPAIR THAT COULD COMPROMISE THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS BRAKING SYSTEM WHEN READING FURTHER ON TOYOTA PRIUS FORUMS.
WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE LOW BEAM BULB FAILURES. USUALLY IT STARTS WITH 1 THE BURNS OUT THE OTHER WITHIN A WEEK OR TWO. IN THE LAST YEAR WE HAVE REPLACED BOTH BULBS 3 TIMES. THE LAST TIME WAS FEBRUARY 24TH LAST NIGHT ON MARCH 11TH WE RECEIVED A WARNING TICKET FOR A HEADLIGHT OUT. I WENT TO REPLACE THE BULB AGAIN AND IT WAS GOOD, AFT…
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WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE LOW BEAM BULB FAILURES. USUALLY IT STARTS WITH 1 THE BURNS OUT THE OTHER WITHIN A WEEK OR TWO. IN THE LAST YEAR WE HAVE REPLACED BOTH BULBS 3 TIMES. THE LAST TIME WAS FEBRUARY 24TH LAST NIGHT ON MARCH 11TH WE RECEIVED A WARNING TICKET FOR A HEADLIGHT OUT. I WENT TO REPLACE THE BULB AGAIN AND IT WAS GOOD, AFTER REMOVING IT I REINSTALLED AND IT WORKED. SHUT THE CAR OFF AND CAME BACK OUT AND IT WOULDN'T COME ON AGAIN WITHOUT DISCONNECTING THE HARNESS AND PLUGGING IT BACK IN. THERE IS NOTICEABLE DISCOLORATION ON BOTH HEADLIGHT PLUGS.
WE HARE RECENTLY STARTED EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION WITHOUT DASH WARNING. OUR CAR BURNED 2 QUARTS OF OIL IN 150 MILES WITH NO WARNING. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED AN INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETIN (T-SB-0169-16) THAT COVERS OUR VIN NUMBER, BUT SINCE WE ARE BEYOND WARRANTY THEY MADE NO OFFER TO HELP (WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED WHILE THE V…
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WE HARE RECENTLY STARTED EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION WITHOUT DASH WARNING. OUR CAR BURNED 2 QUARTS OF OIL IN 150 MILES WITH NO WARNING. TOYOTA HAS ISSUED AN INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETIN (T-SB-0169-16) THAT COVERS OUR VIN NUMBER, BUT SINCE WE ARE BEYOND WARRANTY THEY MADE NO OFFER TO HELP (WE WERE NOT NOTIFIED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY). ESSENTIALLY OUR CAR WAS IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH LITTLE OR NO OIL, BUT NO WARNING THAT THERE WAS NO OIL. I THINK WE GOT VERY LUCKY THAT OUR DRIVE ENDED BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILED.
I HAD THE PROPER RECALL FIXES DONE ON MY 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS 3 MONTHS AGO FOR THE STALLING ISSUES. LAST NIGHT WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE FREEWAY MY PRIUS SHUT DOWN AND ENTERED LIMP HOME MODE. THE 'CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE' LIGHT CAME ON. EVENTUALLY THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN ON AT ALL. I DIDN'T FEEL SAFE…
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I HAD THE PROPER RECALL FIXES DONE ON MY 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS 3 MONTHS AGO FOR THE STALLING ISSUES. LAST NIGHT WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE FREEWAY MY PRIUS SHUT DOWN AND ENTERED LIMP HOME MODE. THE 'CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE' LIGHT CAME ON. EVENTUALLY THE CAR WOULDN'T TURN ON AT ALL. I DIDN'T FEEL SAFE ONE BIT. I'M A FEMALE, ALONE AT NIGHT, IN A BAD PART OF TOWN, IT WAS 25 OUTSIDE, ON THE SIDE OF A FREEWAY! I DON'T BELIEVE THE RECALL FIXED THE PROBLEM.
RECURRING "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM" ISSUE = JOV SOFTWARE UPDATE FAILEDTHIS IS MY 2ND COMPLAINT (11298645)RE. THE NON-SAFETY OF MY PRIUS. DEC 2019, THE JOV SOFTWARE UPDATE FAILED. I WAS LUCKY TO BE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AS OTHERWISE I WOULDN'T BE HERE WRITING TO YOU. MY CAR STOPPED WORKING ENTIRELY & ABRUPTLY. I DROVE IT ONLY …
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RECURRING "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM" ISSUE = JOV SOFTWARE UPDATE FAILEDTHIS IS MY 2ND COMPLAINT (11298645)RE. THE NON-SAFETY OF MY PRIUS. DEC 2019, THE JOV SOFTWARE UPDATE FAILED. I WAS LUCKY TO BE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AS OTHERWISE I WOULDN'T BE HERE WRITING TO YOU. MY CAR STOPPED WORKING ENTIRELY & ABRUPTLY. I DROVE IT ONLY FOR 1.2 MILES THAT DAY. IT DIDN'T GO INTO A FAIL-SAFE DRIVING MODE & DIDN'T GO INTO NEUTRAL EITHER. THEY'RE 3 WITNESSES. IT GOT TOWED TO TOYOTA HOLLYWOOD WHO ACCUSED THE CAR'S POWER LOSS ON THE REGULAR BATTERY. THE BAD OVERHEATED INVERTER CAUSED IT & DRAINED THE BATTERY SURELY. TOYOTA'S EXECUTIVE OFFICE SEND OUT A FTS INSPECTION WHO DROVE THE CAR ALSO TO RECREATE THE DTC CODE W/ TESTS & THEREAFTER SAID IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE. FALSE ASSESSMENT. THE HYBRID WARNING MSG APPEARS AGAIN ON JANUARY 16. I DROVE IT ONLY FOR 1.6 MI THAT DAY. I STARTED MY CAR, THE WARNING MSG REMAINED ON DISPLAY UNTIL I DROVE IT HOME FOR 1.6MI GOING 15MI/HR. THE PUBLIC KNOWS: "THE INVERTERS HAVE BEEN OVERHEATING, CAUSING THE SOFTWARE THAT CONTROLS THE VEHICLES TO SHUT DOWN THE POWER OR PUT THE VEHICLE INTO WHAT IS KNOWN AS A LIMP-HOME MODE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO ALLOW DRIVERS TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY." NOW, TOYOTA CULVER CITY HAS MY CAR SINCE JAN 18; THEY COULD ONLY SEE A "LOW VOLTAGE BATTERY" ISSUE & AREN'T SURE. ?TOYOTA HAS FOUND THAT IN RARE SITUATIONS, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT ENTER A FAIL-SAFE DRIVING MODE AS INTENDED,? THE STATEMENT SAID. ?IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE COULD LOSE POWER AND STALL. WHILE POWER STEERING AND BRAKING WOULD REMAIN OPERATIONAL, A VEHICLE STALL WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH." WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THE LARGEST AUTO MANUFACTURES IN THE WORLD TO REPLACE MY INVERTER? A CRASH. I HOPE NOT. THANK YOU FOR ASSURING SAFENESS ON THE ROAD. SINCERELY, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
Official recalls
320V369000 · Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
Jun 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.
18V684000 · 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.
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.
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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