Problems · by component

2010 Toyota Prius hybrid propulsion system problems

30 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2010 Toyota Prius cite hybrid propulsion system, 1% of all 2,823 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
30
1% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the hybrid propulsion system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, opened the hood, and disconnected and reconnected the battery terminals to reboot the vehicle. The contact stated that a yellow triangle warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The message "Check Hybrid System" was displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 65 MPH while driving. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone and O'Reilly's; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure might be an ABS system failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure first occurred years ago, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 2, 2025Service brakes, hydraulic, Hybrid propulsion systemODI 11702535
“The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Hybrid Malfunction" was displayed, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart after detaching and reconnecting the rear battery. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 20, 2025Hybrid propulsion systemODI 11668166
“The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and the check hybrid warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was unaware whether the vehicle was diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired the failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been repaired as the recall repair stated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 10, 2024Hybrid propulsion systemODI 11588140
“The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and went into LIMP Mode. The coolant temperature and several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the message "Check Hybrid System" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road, where he disconnected and reconnected the battery to reset the Hybrid system. The contact was able to drive to the residence; however, the failure recurred. The contact used an OBD reader to retrieve diagnostic test code: P261B. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,469.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 21, 2024Engine and engine cooling, Hybrid propulsion systemODI 11573199
“The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact stated that the power steering and power brakes failed. The contact stated that the "check hybrid system" and "check battery" warning lights were illuminated. The contact steered off the roadway safely; however, he was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the inverter needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 387,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 8, 2022Hybrid propulsion systemODI 11483527
“The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated the check hybrid system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was pushed to an independent mechanic nearby her residence however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 282,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 26, 2021Hybrid propulsion systemODI 11418572

Showing 6 of 30 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Hybrid propulsion system

Free remedy

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.

Hybrid propulsion systemReported Oct 4, 2018NHTSA 18V684000

Hybrid propulsion system: inverter

Free remedy

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.

Hybrid propulsion systemReported Feb 12, 2014NHTSA 14V053000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.