Recall 18V579 covers 192,347 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles for wire harness wear. Toyota will fix it free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 192,347 2016-2018 Prius vehicles under recall 18V579 because part of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit can rub against its cover and wear. That damage can cause an electrical short and increase the risk of a fire; Toyota dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine wire harness on the 2016-2018 Toyota Prius is the bundle of insulated wires routed through the engine compartment. It connects to the hybrid Power Control Unit, which manages electrical power between the hybrid system and the vehicle's drive components. The insulation around each wire keeps separate circuits from touching each other.
On affected Prius vehicles, assembly variation placed part of that harness close enough to the PCU cover for contact. When dust builds up on the harness or cover, normal vibration while driving can rub the wire insulation away over time. Once the core wire is exposed, damaged wires can short circuit and generate heat.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner will not have a reliable sound, smell, warning light, or driveability change that confirms the harness insulation is wearing through.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Prius model years, all tied to the same wiring component.
| 2017 Toyota Prius | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Prius | wiring |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | wiring |
| Units affected | 192,347 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
An electrical short in the engine wire harness can increase the risk of a fire. Schedule the recall repair soon so the dealer can inspect the harness, replace it if damaged, and add protective sleeve or tape to prevent future damage. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2018 Toyota Prius is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free engine-wire-harness inspection and repair for wear near the hybrid Power Control Unit.
- Bring the Toyota notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 18V579 and Toyota recall J0T when you call.
- Ask the dealer to replace the harness if damage is found and add the protective sleeve or tape that prevents future contact wear.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician inspects the engine wire harness assembly connected to the hybrid power control unit. If the harness shows damage, the technician replaces it, then adds a protective sleeve or protective tape to keep the harness from rubbing at the connection again. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you've already paid to fix this condition before this campaign, Toyota's General Reimbursement Plan covers documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk or contact Toyota customer service about the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 5, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 5, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 5, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 30, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 30, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V579?
Recall 18V579 covers 192,347 2016-2018 Toyota Prius vehicles with an engine wire harness that can rub against the hybrid Power Control Unit cover. That wear can cause an electrical short and increase fire risk. Toyota dealers inspect the harness and repair it for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2018 Toyota Prius is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Prius is included in recall 18V579. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the engine wire harness inspection. Reference recall number 18V579 or Toyota recall number J0T when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Toyota says these repairs are free. The dealer will inspect the engine wire harness assembly, replace it if damaged, and add a protective sleeve or protective tape.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V579?
The safety risk is fire. Toyota says part of the engine wire harness connected to the hybrid Power Control Unit can contact the cover at that connection and wear. If the harness shorts electrically, the risk of a fire increases.
What if I bought my Toyota Prius used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Prius is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer with recall number 18V579 or Toyota recall number J0T.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V579000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-888-270-9371 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V579 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V579000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation 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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →