Toyota has just announced that they will be launching a recall on all 2016-2018 Prius hybrid models over a potential fire risk. The Japanese automaker has stated that the defect is caused by a faulty engine wire harness attached to the car’s power control unit, which has the potential to chafe and start a fire.
In a statement issued by Toyota, the Japanese automaker explained the following in regards to the defect:
The subject vehicles have an engine wire harness which is connected to the hybrid vehicle Power Control Unit. A portion of the wire harness could contact the cover at this connection and wear over time, causing an electrical short circuit, which can generate heat. If sufficient heat is generated, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
While there haven’t been reports of fires from any Prius hybrid models in the United States, after the subsequent smoking of one such Prius in Japan caught Toyota’s attention, it’s fair to assume the automaker would rather be safe than sorry.
The recall will not only affect Prius hybrid models, but Toyota C-HR plug-in hybrid models as well. The C-HR plug-in hybrid models are typically sold in Japan, Australia, and Europe, but not in the United States. The Toyota recall will target models built between June 2015 and May 2018, and is said to affect nearly 1 million Prius hybrid models, approximately 192,000 of which currently reside in the United States.
Toyota dealers will inspect and repair all models for free, and owners affected by the defect will be contacted and notified immediately. Owners whose models are not affect by the defect will have protective tape installed for preventative measures. Those who wish to check the status of their vehicle can do so by visiting toyota.com/recall and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.
With the recall affecting approximately 1 million units, it will be one of the largest ever in the Japanese automaker’s history.
Source: Toyota
