Toyota Prius V Recalls

The Toyota Prius V has 8 recalls covering the 2012–2017 model years, with the most serious being an inverter power module defect on 2014–2017 vehicles where excessive voltage can cause the hybrid system to shut down unexpectedly, stalling the car in traffic.

The inverter's power module is a recurring theme across the full production run. On 2014–2015 models, the passenger seat occupant classification sensor can be miscalibrated, causing the front passenger airbag to fail to deploy in a crash. On 2014 models specifically, the same miscalibration issue was addressed in a separate filing covering Canadian-market vehicles.

Going back to the earlier years, 2012–2014 models are covered by two overlapping inverter recalls: one where a component within the inverter assembly can overheat and force the vehicle into a reduced-power limp-home mode, and another where the same excessive-voltage failure in the power module can cause a full hybrid system shutdown and loss of drive power. The 2012 model year has its own inverter power module issue where damage under certain driving conditions can trigger warning lights and cut power to the wheels.

There is also an aftermarket parts recall affecting 2012–2013 vehicles: certain replacement tail light assemblies sold under specific part numbers have the brake light and tail light circuits reversed, so the brake lights glow continuously and go dark when the pedal is pressed, removing the braking signal that following drivers rely on.