Recall 15V449 affects 108,624 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles for hybrid inverter overheating and stall risk. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 108,624 2012-2014 Prius V vehicles under recall 15V449 because a component within the hybrid inverter assembly can overheat and force reduced drive power. In the worst case, the hybrid system shuts down and the vehicle stalls while moving, which raises crash risk; Toyota dealers will repair the defect free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The hybrid inverter on the 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V manages high-voltage power between the hybrid battery, the electric motor, and the engine control system. Inside that assembly, the boost converter raises voltage when the car needs propulsion power, and the Intelligent Power Module switches that power on and off quickly enough to drive the motor.
On affected Prius V vehicles, the software controlling the boost converter can put extra heat stress on parts inside the Intelligent Power Module. Under specific driving conditions, microscopic voids form in the solder beneath the power transistors, which reduces heat flow away from those parts. That heat buildup damages the transistors and forces the hybrid system to protect itself.
The warning sign is reduced motive power. The vehicle can enter a fail-safe mode and continue for a short distance, but the hybrid system can also shut down and stop the vehicle while it is being driven.
Who's affected?
The scope stays within a single Prius V model line, with the inverter as the shared component.
| 2012 Toyota Prius V | Inverter |
|---|---|
| 2013 Toyota Prius V | Inverter |
| 2014 Toyota Prius V | Inverter |
| Units affected | 108,624 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific wagon is included.
What's the safety risk?
Fail-safe or limp-home mode limits drivability and reduces motive power. In rarer failure conditions, the hybrid system shuts down and the vehicle stalls while being driven, increasing the risk of a crash. If power drops or the vehicle enters limp-home mode, move out of traffic and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free ECU software update that addresses hybrid inverter overheating and reduced power.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V449 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the Prius V loses power or enters limp-home mode.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician updates the software for the motor/generator control ECU and the hybrid control ECU. The recall repair is free, including the software work and labor tied to this campaign. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related hybrid inverter or ECU software repair before the recall notice, Toyota's general reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and payment records to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 14, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| July 15, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| July 30, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V449?
Recall 15V449 covers 108,624 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles with a hybrid inverter component that can overheat. The vehicle can enter limp-home mode with limited power, or the hybrid system can shut down and stall. Toyota dealers update the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid control ECU software for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Prius V is included in recall 15V449. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the ECU software updates. Reference recall number 15V449 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Toyota dealers will update the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid control ECU software free of charge. Toyota's recall began on July 30, 2015.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a loss of power while driving. The Prius V can enter a limited-power mode that allows only a short distance of driving, or the hybrid system can shut down and stall the vehicle, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Toyota Prius V used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Prius V is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer and reference recall number 15V449.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V449000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-888-270-9371 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V449 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V449000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →