Toyota Prius Inverter Failure
Once again, the electrical power system of some Toyota Prius models are being questioned as inverter failures continue to affect vehicles. Toyota issued a safety recall in 2014 and 2015 that had approximately eight hundred thousand 2010-2014 Prius owners returning to their dealerships for a software update that was suppose to fix the problem. Documents indicate that Toyota had been tracking the defect as far back as 2011, after engineers found cracked solder joints due to excessive thermal stress.
What are the symptoms of a failed inverter ?
- -Owners may notice the A/C compressor starts to shut off intermittently.
- -The 12v battery may fail to charge.
- -Drivers may experience illuminated hybrid warning, check engine, ABS and VSC lights.
The NHTSA is currently reviewing a petition filed in December by a Southern California Toyota dealer, who is asking the agency to open another formal defect investigation. According to the dealership owner, Prius drivers are still experiencing engine shutdowns that are putting their lives at risk.