NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
409 reports100,000 miles · Dec 5, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I NOTICED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A DRY CLEAR DAY TRACTION CONTROL/BRAKE LIGHT/ABS ILLUMINATED MY BRAKES BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO PRESS AND COME TO A STOP ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WOULD GO OFF AND THE CAR WOULD DRIVE NORMAL FOR A FEW DAYS. IT REPEATED THIS SCENARIO A FEW TIMES BEFORE THE TRACT…
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I NOTICED WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A DRY CLEAR DAY TRACTION CONTROL/BRAKE LIGHT/ABS ILLUMINATED MY BRAKES BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO PRESS AND COME TO A STOP ALSO MY CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE. THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH WOULD GO OFF AND THE CAR WOULD DRIVE NORMAL FOR A FEW DAYS. IT REPEATED THIS SCENARIO A FEW TIMES BEFORE THE TRACTION CONTROL/BRAKE LIGHT/ABS LIGHTS STAYED ON PERMANENTLY AS WELL AS THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT ENGAGE.
NHTSA ODI #11156466
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2018
Hybrid Propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE DEALER (TOYOTA CARLSBAD, 5424 PASEO DEL NORTE, CARLSBAD, CA 92008, 760-537-6700) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE DEALER (TOYOTA CARLSBAD, 5424 PASEO DEL NORTE, CARLSBAD, CA 92008, 760-537-6700) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL AND STATED THAT IT WAS A SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11155937
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE YEARS 2010 THROUGH 2014, PENDING THE DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF A REMEDY. IT HAS BEEN FOUR YEARS AND I FEEL THAT HAS ALLOWED TOYOTA SUFFICIENT TIME TO ISSUE A REMEDY.
NHTSA ODI #11151191
80,000 miles · Nov 11, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineStructureFire
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY ROAD AT 25-30 MPH AT DUSK (5:15PM), AND WITH MY HEADLIGHTS ON. THE FIRST INDICATION OF A PROBLEM WAS THE SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATER. ASSUMING THE PROBLEM WAS WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME, I TURNED OFF THE HEATER AND KEPT DRIVING. A MILE LATER, AS I WAS NEARING MY DESTINATION…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY ROAD AT 25-30 MPH AT DUSK (5:15PM), AND WITH MY HEADLIGHTS ON. THE FIRST INDICATION OF A PROBLEM WAS THE SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER WHEN I TURNED ON THE HEATER. ASSUMING THE PROBLEM WAS WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME, I TURNED OFF THE HEATER AND KEPT DRIVING. A MILE LATER, AS I WAS NEARING MY DESTINATION, I NOTICED SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS TURN ON (SKID LIGHT AND EXCLAMATION MARK LIGHT) AND THE STEERING BECAME LESS RESPONSIVE. I THEN SAW SMOKE EMITTING FROM UNDER MY HOOD. A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE CORNER OF THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. I MANAGED TO PULL OVER, WOKE UP MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN FROM THEIR CAR SEATS, AND GOT EVERYONE OUT. WITHIN A MINUTE, THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ABLAZE. GIVEN WHERE THE FIRE STARTED, I SUSPECT THE HEADLIGHT. I REPLACED IT THE DAY BEFORE. THE LIGHT SEEMED TO WORK FINE FOR 1 DAY, BUT IT IS SUSPICIOUS THAT IS ALSO THE AREA WHERE THE FIRE STARTED.
NHTSA ODI #11150819
196,000 miles · Nov 6, 2018
Service Brakes
SUDDENLY THE ABS, BRAKE AND THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL GO WAY AFTER 20MIN. WHEN THE LIGHTS CAME ON THERE'S NO WARNING SO YOU MIGHT GET AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT BEING PREPARED FOR WORDS AS IS SO DANGEROUS TO HAVE SUCH A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE CAR LIKE THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11149716
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2018
Unknown Or Other
MY VEHICLE MAY NOT ENTER A FAILSAFE DRIVING MODE AS INTENDED. VEHICLE COULD LOSE POWER AND STALL ON A FREEWAY WHERE HIGHER SPEED WILL TAKE PLACE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND MAY CAUSE A FATALITY. I AM CONCERN ABOUT THERE NOT BEING A REMEDY AS OF OCTOBER OF THIS YEAR.
NHTSA ODI #11145046
65,000 miles · Oct 19, 2018
EngineHybrid Propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT PROVIDED THE REMEDY FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM) WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE DEALER (DCH WAPPINGERS FALLS TOYOTA, 1349 U.S. 9, WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY 12590, (845) 206-0521) STATED THAT THE PART WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA PRIUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT PROVIDED THE REMEDY FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM) WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE DEALER (DCH WAPPINGERS FALLS TOYOTA, 1349 U.S. 9, WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY 12590, (845) 206-0521) STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN IT WOULD ARRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RODE ROUGHLY, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11141401
118,000 miles · Oct 7, 2018
EngineUnknown Or Other
WHILE DRIVING ON A SIDE ROAD ON 9/26/2018 I RECEIVED AN ALERT MESSAGE THAT SAID "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE." I PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND SHUT IT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START FOR A MINUTE BUT THEN STARTED AGAIN. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I GET MY CAR SERVICED AND I ASKED THEM IF IT IS…
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WHILE DRIVING ON A SIDE ROAD ON 9/26/2018 I RECEIVED AN ALERT MESSAGE THAT SAID "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE PLACE." I PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND SHUT IT DOWN. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START FOR A MINUTE BUT THEN STARTED AGAIN. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I GET MY CAR SERVICED AND I ASKED THEM IF IT IS OKAY FOR ME TO DRIVE IT HOME SINCE I WAS 110 MILES AWAY. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS OKAY TO DRIVE AND I TOOK THE CAR TO THEM TO GET IT CHECKED OUT UPON GETTING BACK IN TOWN. THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE WARNING HAD COME ON, HOWEVER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING TO FIX IT. SO THEY RESET THE ERROR MESSAGE AND RETURNED THE CAR TO ME. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR ON THE ROAD WITHOUT A FIX SINCE IT COULD STOP AT A HIGH SPEED AND CAUSE ME TO BE IN A CRASH. I AM SURPRISED HOW DOES TOYOTA HAVE A PROTOCOL TO LET USERS DRIVE A FAULTY CAR ON THE ROAD?
NHTSA ODI #11138925
118,000 miles · Sep 23, 2018
Electrical SystemEngine
CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ABOUT 15-20 MPH WHEN IT JUST STOPPED WITH A JOLT AS IF IT HAD BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. TOWED TO SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS BAD INVERTER.
NHTSA ODI #11130852
107,887 miles · Sep 11, 2018
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AND THE CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11128780
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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