Faulty Fuse Triggers Toyota Prius Plug-in Recall
The recall, set to begin in January, covers about 39,900 cars in the 2012-2015 model years.
Photo of Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid car courtesy of Toyota.
Photo of Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid car courtesy of Toyota.
Toyota Motor North America is recalling approximately 39,900 2012-2015 Prius Plug-in Hybrid cars because of a faulty fuse, the company said.
In these vehicles, the hybrid system contains an electric vehicle fuse that might malfunction if the car is repeatedly operated in EV mode under high-load driving conditions, according to Toyota. An example of such driving conditions would be a long hill climb.
If the fuse malfunctions, warning lights and messages will illuminate. The car might still run – but with reduced power. In other cases, the hybrid system may shut down, resulting in the loss of motive power. Power steering and braking will not be affected. Loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds, however, can increase the risk of a crash, Toyota warned in a released statement about the recall.
To resolve the problem, Toyota dealers will replace the fuse with an improved one. There will be no charge for this service. Vehicle owners will be notified by mail beginning in January 2018.
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