Help! Understanding Toyota Service History

The first item means that the inverter coolant pump was replaced under a recall.
The second item means that the steering shaft was inspected and a part was replaced, also under recall.

Both items are known and should not adversely affect your opinion of the car's service history.

 

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

Recall number: 12V536000
Recall date: 11/14/2012
Problem Summary:

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.
Consequence:

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.
Corrective Action:

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY ITS OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ELECTRIC WATER PUMP, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THEIR TOYOTA DEALER OR THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AT 1-800-331-4331.
This recall affects vehicles manufactured between 08/06/2003 and 03/30/2009.

STEERING

Recall number: 12V537000
Recall date: 11/14/2012
Problem Summary:

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 PRIUS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AUGUST 5, 2003, THROUGH MARCH 30, 2009. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE A STEERING INTERMEDIATE EXTENSION SHAFT ASSEMBLY BUILT WITH METAL SPLINES THAT COMPLETE THE CONNECTION FROM THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE STEERING GEAR. THESE SPLINES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT HARDNESS.
Consequence:

OVER TIME, THE SPLINES MAY WEAR AND EVENTUALLY FAIL RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING ABILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Corrective Action:

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE EXTENSION SHAFT AND REPLACE IT IF IT IS ONE WITH INSUFFICIENT HARDNESS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THEIR TOYOTA DEALER OR THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AT 1-800-331-4331.
This recall affects vehicles manufactured between 08/05/2003 and 03/30/2009.

 

Well, the car does have 111K miles, so you should have some financial reserve available in the event that your Prius has a failure. The probability of a failure is not high but the financial impact of a failure (if it occurs) can be pretty high especially if you have to depend upon Toyota dealer service and install new parts.

 

One of the reasons we implore you to list a location, is that without one, all we can recommend is the Toyota dealer. If you list a location, someone may know a good mechanic. I am praying your screen name is not also your location.