Recall 14V053 affects 698,457 2010-2014 Toyota Prius vehicles for inverter transistor damage that can cause a stall. Free repair at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota recall 14V053 covers 698,457 2010-2014 Prius vehicles because heat can damage transistors in the Intelligent Power Module inside the hybrid inverter. Warning lamps and reduced power can come first, and a full hybrid-system shutdown can stall the vehicle and increase crash risk; the Toyota dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The inverter module in a 2010-2014 Toyota Prius is part of the hybrid system. It controls power flow between the high-voltage battery and the electric drive motor, so the car can blend electric drive with the gasoline engine. Inside that inverter is the intelligent power module, or IPM, which uses transistors to switch high-voltage current on and off.
In affected Prius vehicles, those transistors are vulnerable to damage from high operating temperatures. Once the transistors are damaged, the inverter cannot manage hybrid power the way it was designed to. The vehicle then loses power and is limited to driving only a short distance.
There is no warning sign before failure. After the IPM is damaged, warning lamps illuminate on the instrument panel and the Prius enters reduced-power operation. If that happens, the car has already reached the failure condition described in recall 14V053.
Who's affected?
Each listed model year includes both the inverter and electrical system software components.
| 2012 Toyota Prius | Inverter |
|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Prius | electrical system software |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | Inverter |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | electrical system software |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | Inverter |
| 2011 Toyota Prius | electrical system software |
| 2014 Toyota Prius | Inverter |
| 2014 Toyota Prius | electrical system software |
| 2010 Toyota Prius | Inverter |
| 2010 Toyota Prius | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 698,457 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
The Prius can enter limp mode, which limits drivability. The hybrid system can also shut down and stall the vehicle, increasing crash risk. If power drops or the vehicle stalls, move out of traffic when safe and contact a Toyota dealer for the ECU software update. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2014 Toyota Prius is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to ask whether recall 14V053 is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the free hybrid ECU software update once Toyota opens the remedy; the update protects the inverter module from heat damage.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota sent one, and reference recall number 14V053 when you call.
- Stop driving and contact the dealer if warning lamps appear, power drops, or the hybrid system shuts down.
What happens at the repair
Toyota's dealer remedy is a software update for the motor/generator control ECU and the hybrid control ECU. Once the repair is available for your VIN, a Toyota technician installs that update at no charge. If the inverter fails before the software update is completed, Toyota says the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| February 12, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 21, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V053?
Recall 14V053 covers 698,457 2010-2014 Toyota Prius vehicles with Intelligent Power Module transistors inside the inverter that overheat and become damaged. Toyota dealers update the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid control ECU software for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2014 Toyota Prius is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Prius is included in recall 14V053. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask for the inverter software update. Reference recall number 14V053 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Toyota dealers update the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid control ECU software for free, and Toyota began this recall repair on March 21, 2014.
What is the safety risk in recall 14V053?
The safety risk is loss of normal hybrid-system power. Recall 14V053 states the Prius can enter fail-safe or limp-home mode with limited drivability, or the hybrid system can shut down completely and stall the vehicle, increasing crash risk.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for warning lamps on the instrument panel and a sudden drop in vehicle power. Recall 14V053 says the Prius has reduced power after the inverter problem appears, with only enough drivability to travel a short distance.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V053000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V053 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V053000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →