2014 Toyota Prius C recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Hybrid / EV system
What's wrong, in plain English: High-voltage battery or drive system. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
What could happen: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2014 PRIUS C.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V684000 (manufacturer code J0V).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-888-270-9371.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Toyota Prius and 2012-2014 Toyota Prius V vehicles. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Consequence: If the hybrid system shuts down unexpectedly, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is J0V. Note: The software updates in this recall are needed even if the vehicle had the software previously updated under recalls 14V-053 or 15V-449.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Hybrid / EV system
What's wrong, in plain English: High-voltage battery or drive system. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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 a…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2014 PRIUS C.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V053000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-331-4331.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
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.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
3. Hybrid / EV system
What's wrong, in plain English: High-voltage battery or drive system. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
What could happen: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2014 PRIUS C.
- Book a repair at any authorized Toyota dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V369000 (manufacturer code 20TB10 / 20TA10).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-888-270-9371.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Prius and 2014-2017 Prius V vehicles not included in recall 18V-684. Excessive voltage in the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) within the inverter may cause the hybrid system to shut down, causing the vehicle to stall while being driven.
Consequence: An unexpected hybrid power system shut down may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update for the hybrid system. If the vehicle has experienced an inverter failure with certain hybrid system faults related to this condition, the inverter assembly will be repaired or replaced, prior to software update. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began July 24, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB10 / 20TA10.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2014 Toyota Prius C owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (81), Electrical system (36), Unknown Or Other (29), Engine (21), Vehicle Speed Control (18).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/14/2026 · Brakes
The brakes failed while driving at a high speed (55 MPH) on the highway along with failing when braking at a low speed (15 MPH) near a major intersection. This occured with no warning other than the Brake, ABS, and Traction Control appearing as the failure was occuring. The warning light when away after the first occurance and the brakes began working again…
03/17/2026 · Brakes
Brake actuator assembly known issue in Prius C, Toyota refuses to do anything about it. Part is not cheap.
11/21/2025 · Brakes
While driving, suddenly all brake lights and warning lights went on, and brakes stopped working normally. It became difficult to brake (brake took a while to engage - had to press pedal to the floor). After diagnostics at the dealership it looks like the brake booster failed. Apparently Toyota knew about this issue as they did an extended warranty through a…
11/01/2025 · Brakes
My 2014 Toyota Prius (VIN [XXX] , 77,000 miles) displayed Brake, ABS, and Slip warning lights. A mechanic confirmed failure of the Brake Booster and Pump Assembly (DTC C1391). Toyota previously acknowledged this as a safety-related defect under Customer Support Program ZJB, but my coverage expired because I never received Toyota’s notice dated May 21, 2019.…
08/07/2025 · Brakes
I was told that my Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assembly needed replaced. I had specifically asked my dealership in the past if there were any issues with my car and was told that there was nothing, which was untrue. I called Toyota and was told that I was mailed something back in 2018, but I do not remember receiving it. Now I am told that this has…
08/04/2025 · Brakes
There was a safety recall issued for brake system malfunctions involving the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies on my vehicle. Unfortunately, the recall expired on December 31, 2024. On March 4, 2025, at 4:10 PM, I contacted the District Manager Advocate in Plano, Texas. I explained that I had been in the ICU twice and am now [XXX]. During the…
07/14/2025 · Vehicle Speed Control
Cruise Control Not Working. Traction Control Light Active, Brake Light Active, And Light Active The cause was diagnosed by Toyota of Paris. TSB for C1391 Code abnormal leak in accumulator. The corrective action is to replace brake booster assembly with Master cylinder and Brake Booster pump Assembly.
07/03/2025 · Brakes
I am writing to express my profound concern and disappointment regarding a recent, terrifying incident involving the brake system of my 2014 Toyota Prius. On Saturday, June 21, 2025, while driving with other passengers, my vehicle experienced a complete and sudden brake failure. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, and despite my efforts, t…