Toyota is recalling 713,000 model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles in North America. 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 or stall.
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit 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 replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall is expected to begin in late February.
Owners may contact Toyota at 800-331-4331, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall No. 2
Toyota also is recalling 260,000 model year 2012 Toyota RAV4, 2012-2013 Toyota Tacoma, and 2012-2013 Lexus RX 350 vehicles sold in the United States to address two separate issues.
- Toyota will update the skid control ECU software on certain RAV4, TacomaLexus RX 350 models in order to address an electronic circuit condition that can cause the vehicle stability control, anti-lock brake and traction control functions to intermittently turn off. If these systems are off, standard braking operation remains fully functional.
- Also in the affected vehicles, an electrical component within the brake actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the vehicle stability control system, anti-lock brake system and traction control system.
If these occur, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance and increasing the risk of a crash.
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As part of these recalls, owners of affected vehicles will receive a software update free of charge. Owners will be notified by first-class mail when the software updates are available at their dealers.
Detailed information is available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and by calling the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Lexus customers can visit www.lexus.com/recall or call the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Center at 800-255-3987.