P&A Providers & Administrators
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Toyota to Fix 378,000 Prius Hybrids for Heat Risk

November 30, 2010
2 min to read



DETROIT - Toyota Motor Corp will pay to fix about 378,000 Prius models in the United States for a coolant pump glitch that could cause the top-selling hybrid to overheat and lose power, the automaker said on Monday.


The repair campaign for Prius models built from 2004 to 2007 was detailed in a notice for Toyota's U.S. dealers, Reuters reported.

Ad Loading...


The Japanese automaker said it had not received any reports of accidents or injuries from problems with the pump, which circulates coolant for the hybrid system.


The automaker plans to replace the pumps on the Prius hybrids sold outside of the United States as well, Toyota spokesman John Hanson said.


Major automakers, including Toyota, often conduct repair campaigns that are separate from safety recalls filed with U.S. regulators in cases where they determine that a defect does not present a safety risk.


Toyota said the design of the electric water pump let air bubbles enter the system, slowing coolant circulation and allowing the hybrid's components to heat up.


The heating up of the components could trigger a warning light. If left unattended, the Prius could overheat and drop into a "fail-safe" mode where engine power would be reduced, Toyota said.

Ad Loading...


Toyota said it would begin notifying owners of the Prius repair campaign in early December.


The automaker has used a different pump design on the Prius hybrid since that time and uses a different type of pump for other hybrids, Hanson said.


The largest number of the Prius hybrids up for repair in the United States is in California where about 107,500 of the vehicles are on the road, Toyota told its dealers.


Toyota will cover the cost of the repairs, including more than $100 in labor for each Prius fixed at a U.S. dealership.


The repair campaign on one of the best-known Toyota vehicles comes at the end of a year in which the top global automaker has struggled to distance itself from a damaging series of recalls and concerns about its quality management.

Ad Loading...


Since last November, Toyota has recalled about 14 million vehicles worldwide, including about 11 million in the United States.


More Industry

Kia Niro SUV in gold color parked outdoors
Industryby Hannah MitchellSeptember 1, 2026

Kia Closes Out Summer With a Bang

Its U.S. subsidiary broke multiple records in August, in part due to a surge of demand for hybrids models.

Read More →
Outside of Auto Park Ford dealership
Industryby Lauren LawrenceSeptember 1, 2026

Indiana Dealership Changes Hands

A 30-year-old Ford dealership in Indiana has a new owner and will soon be undergoing renovations to meet manufacturer requirements.

Read More →
Three men standing in front of two classic cars handing off gift.
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 25, 2026

Texas Dealership No Longer in the Family

The Ford store, a longtime cornerstone of the Houston market, is now part of one of the fastest-growing U.S. auto groups.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Outside of modern car dealership “Genesis of San Bruno
Industryby Lauren LawrenceAugust 25, 2026

Genesis Grows California Presence

The Cardinale Automotive Group opened its third Genesis rooftop in the Golden State, Genesis of San Bruno, a stand-alone dealership serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

Read More →
Red Honda Civic hybrid sedan on two lane road with green hills in background
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 21, 2026

August Auto Sales a Mixed Bag

An early forecast shows strong business despite consumer hurdles, and hybrids are a big piece of their affordability coping strategy.

Read More →
EV charger inserted into dark-colored car port
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 18, 2026

EV Market Humming Along

July sales show steady growth as the segment stabilizes from last year’s artificial surge following pullback of federal support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
car in background with hand giving a thumbs up in front
Industryby Lauren LawrenceAugust 14, 2026

Auto Loan Delinquency Rates Stabilize

Auto loans are a main driver of nonmortgage consumer debt, but delinquency rates stabilized in the second quarter across all credit risk tiers.

Read More →
blue sky, yellow and orange rollercoaster with riders going up an incline
Industryby Lauren LawrenceAugust 12, 2026

EV Sales Recover in Q2

The EV sales roller coaster continues as numbers show improvement, but industry experts predict a year-over-year third-quarter decline and fourth-quarter jump.

Read More →
Photo of blue Toyota Prius parked next to body of water with city skyline in background
Industryby Hannah MitchellAugust 5, 2026

The Cheapest Hybrids to Fuel

The powertrain is increasing in popularity, in no small part due to its fuel economy. A new report lists the most efficient hybrids on the market.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
white SUV parked in front of a body of water with a gray sky background
Industryby Lauren LawrenceAugust 5, 2026

Hybrids and SUVs Gaining Ground

The most recent Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch found that only two nonluxury brands increased in shopper consideration, buoyed by their hybrid and SUV offerings.

Read More →