I have a 2012 Prius with just under 50,000 miles (I work pretty close to home). I took it in for 50k service, and the day after the that I was out and got the dreaded “check hybrid” warning and my car basically had no power. I took it to my independent auto shop and he told me it needs a new inverter, which will be $1600. Is this common this early on? I know it’s an older car, but I’ve always serviced it regularly and only drive it about 6,000 miles a year. For it to need this much after 50k makes me wonder if I want to buy another hybrid - or another Toyota for that matter. I don’t really trust their longevity. Any thoughts?
Have you determined whether there are any open recalls or TSBs for the inverter? Prius inverter-motor-generators have had several campaigns.
The biggest mistake is asking an independent to fix it before checking with Toyota. One of the inverter recalls: Recall Number 14V053000 Recall Date 02/12/2014 Component HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER Summary Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance. Consequence The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. What Owners Should Do Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will repair or replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Yeah, my mechanic pays to have his system linked to Toyota, and it came back with no recalls for my car for this problem. He caught a different problem I had years ago with my Camry, so I assume it would catch it for this as well. I am the original owner, and I don't remember getting a recall about this specific issue, but any time I did get a recall notice I took it in to have it taken care of. I also went to the Toyota website and entered my VIN, and it says "there are no open Safety Recalls or Service Campaigns for this vehicle." So I assume he is correct in stating that this would not be something covered by that recall.
it's extremely uncommon, and you cab buy a salvage inverter for a hundred bucks, because no one needs one. maybe try a dealer, might be worth the investment
There is a separate warranty extension for the inverter depending on the fault codes found. I would have the dealer look at the car.
Mine went out in one of my 2010 cars. I got a inverter off ebay for 200 bucks and installed it in an hour. Drained the coolant into a bucket and poured it back in. Been driving it ever since and that has been a couple years ago. I think mine was the 12 volt converter, I knew about the recall but for 200 bucks I just swapped it out. Easier than a maybe from the dealer.
