Recall 19V491 affects 464 2018-2019 Toyota Prius C vehicles because the DC-DC converter can fail. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 464 2018-2019 Prius C vehicles because the DC-DC converter can fail and stop charging the auxiliary battery. That failure can lead to a loss of drive, increasing crash risk, and Toyota dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The DC-DC converter in the 2018-2019 Toyota Prius C is part of the hybrid propulsion system. It changes power from the hybrid system into the lower-voltage power the auxiliary battery needs, so the vehicle's electrical controls stay supplied while the car is operating.
In recall 19V491, the problem is inside the converter's circuit board. During supplier production, improper maintenance of soldering pallets and pins, combined with a production variation, left the solder connection for a specific transistor too weak. Normal heating and cooling during driving can separate that transistor from the circuit board. Once that happens, the converter stops feeding the auxiliary battery, and the vehicle can lose drive.
Before the converter fails, Toyota says owners can see warning lights, hear audible chimes, and see messages on the instrument panel. Treat those alerts as a sign that the converter needs dealer attention, especially on an included Prius C.
Who's affected?
Covers the Prius C across the 2018 and 2019 model years, both tied to the hybrid propulsion system.
| 2019 Toyota Prius C | Hybrid propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Prius C | Hybrid propulsion system |
| Units affected | 464 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of drive increases crash risk because the Prius C can lose drive power while in traffic. Warning lights, audible chimes, and instrument panel messages are the signs to treat seriously. If they appear, pull over where safe and contact a Toyota dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Toyota Prius C is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free DC-DC converter inspection and replacement that addresses auxiliary battery power loss.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V491 and Toyota recall K0K when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop in a safe place if the vehicle loses drive power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician replaces the DC-DC converter with a new unit when replacement is needed. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered through the Toyota dealer. If you already paid out of pocket for a related DC-DC converter repair before the recall work, Toyota's general reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring prior repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk or contact Toyota customer service to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 26, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 26, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| June 26, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 12, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 12, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 23, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V491?
Recall 19V491 covers 464 2018-2019 Toyota Prius C vehicles with a DC-DC converter that can fail. If the auxiliary battery stops receiving power from the converter, the vehicle can lose drive, increasing crash risk. Toyota dealers will replace the converter as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Toyota Prius C is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Prius C is included in recall 19V491. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the DC-DC converter repair. Reference Toyota recall number K0K 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. For recall 19V491, Toyota dealers will replace the DC-DC converter with a new one as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of drive. In recall 19V491, Toyota reports that DC-DC converter failure can stop auxiliary battery charging from the converter, which can cause a loss of drive and increase crash risk.
When did Toyota begin this recall repair?
Toyota began the recall repair on August 23, 2019. The remedy is available, so an included 2018-2019 Toyota Prius C can be scheduled with a franchised Toyota dealer for the free DC-DC converter repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V491000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-888-270-9371 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V491 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V491000 |
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →