2011 Toyota Prius Hybrid Propulsion System Problems
4 owner-reported hybrid propulsion system complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Hybrid Propulsion System Recalls (2)
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Owner Complaints (4)
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power temporarily. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle continued driving; however, the vehicle was operating on gasoline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer determined that the hybrid battery needed to be replaced. The dealer provided an estimate for the repair. The contact declined to pay for the repair and advised the dealer to perform the recall repair; however, the dealer failed to acknowledge the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 25 MPH downhill, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, and the contact pulled into the driveway of the nearby residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds or starting the vehicle, the check hybrid system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle went into a Safe Mode. There was no option to place the vehicle in neutral or drive. The vehicle would start but failed to move. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Population System). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there were error codes related to the battery and hybrid system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V684000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BERGERON TOYOTA (1600 N STEPHENSON AVE, IRON MOUNTAIN, MI 49801, (906) 774-2189) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
2011 TOYOTA PRIUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ELECTRONIC SYSTEM RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT PANEL LIT UP, BUT THE READY LIGHT DID NOT LIGHT UP, AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS AND COULD NOT TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. AFTER MANY TRIES, THE READY LIGHT FINALLY LIT UP AND THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE SAME THING HAPPENED SIX DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. THE DEAR TRIED TO TELL THE CONSUMER, THE PROBLEM WAS THE BATTERY. BUT, THE PANEL SHOWED THE BATTERY SYSTEM WAS OK. THE PROBLEM HAS SINCE HAPPENED A FOURTH TIME. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE RECALL THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED, CAUSED THE ISSUES. *JB