Toyota Recall 12V-536: Hybrid propulsion system – inverter

Affected: 2004–2009 Toyota Prius. Filed with NHTSA on November 14, 2012, covering about 350,662 vehicles.

The problem

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 6, 2003, through March 30, 2009 and FCHV-adv vehicles manufactured December 12, 2008, through September 13, 2011. During manufacturing, a scratch may have occurred inside of the electrically driven water pump at the coil wire. The coil wire may corrode at the scratched portion.

The risk

The corroded coil wire may break and the water pump could stop. The corroded coil wire could cause a short circuit between coil wires and a possible open fuse, creating a stall-like condition of the hybrid system while the vehicle is being driven. This may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

The fix

Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign12V-536 (12V536000)
ManufacturerToyota Motor Corporation
ComponentHybrid propulsion system › Inverter
Report dateNovember 14, 2012
Owners notifiedJanuary 17, 2013
Vehicles affected350,662
Initiated byManufacturer

Vehicles covered

Plus 3 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.

Owner complaints about the fuel & propulsion system

Frequently asked questions

Is the recall 12V-536 repair free?

Yes. Toyota dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Toyota will notify its owners, and dealers will replace the electric water pump, free of charge. The recall began on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

How do I know if my car is included?

Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 350,662 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.