2010 30K miles - "Check Hybrid System"

I have a 2010 Prius (purchased new Dec 29, 2010). As you can see from the thread title it has very low mileage as I telecommuted most of the years I had this car and I typically fly whenever I travel and don't do trips by car.

On my way to the airport to catch a flight a few days ago, as I was accelerating my Prius from a stop sign, I got the dreaded hybrid system failure, all dashboard icons lit up, blah blah. Pulled to a side road since I didn't know what was happening and realized I could still at least get my car (gas power only and limping) to the park & ride place near the airport, which was my destination. Did that and decided to deal with the Prius when I got back.

Flew back yesterday and my Prius would not go into any gear whatsoever. Had to call a tow to get it to the dealer located 2 miles away.

Prius will be 'diagnosed' on Monday. Although Toyota did a recall notice in 2014 of the hybrid/IPM system for model years 2010 to 2014, my particular Prius (package IV, manufactured Oct 2010) was not recalled for that defect.

I think my hybrid system including the IPM/converter is still fully covered by the warranty, which goes for 8 yrs or 100K miles. Sure sounds like what I experienced was the same thing affecting the recalled Prius' at that time.

I 'rented' a Prius from the dealer until my car is fixed. It's a 2018 Prime with the big 11" screen. Hate the screen (glare), the menus just to change the fan speed. Would never purchase a vehicle with a big screen that glares like that. Made me miss my simple 2010 Pkg IV Prius. I will say the Prime drove beautifully, smooth, solid, much more refined than my 2010 by far. I'm a techie geek person, but the glut of user interface one has to deal with to just do basic things was a turnoff for me. Hated the HUD. All in all, way too many distractions.

 

How does one best reach Toyota Corporate for good will warranty coverage, in case something is not covered?

 

GOOD NEWS!

As I suspected, it was indeed the IPM (conversion system part) that failed, and though my vehicle was not part of the 2014 IPM recall, my car is still fortunately covered by the 8 yr hybrid system warranty, so all parts and labor are covered as well as the rental of the car from Toyota and my cost to have my Prius towed to the dealer. If something big had to fail, I'm so glad it did while under warranty!

WHEW

My car will be ready this afternoon.

Total cost of repair: $0.00