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Victim of inverter failure

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by S Ochs, May 30, 2020.

  1. S Ochs

    S Ochs New Member

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    Our 2010 Prius died on my wife last Thursday and fortunately due to lighter than usual traffic she was able to pull off a normally busy road and park. Mechanic reported P0A94 error code and indicated the inverter was fried. I found the extended warranty for inverters online and called our local dealer but was told our particular VIN number was not included in the extended warranty. Our car did get the software recall and update and we are at a complete loss why Toyota will not step up. Car has 97,363 miles on it. Very disappointed. New inverter is going run $3200!
     
    #1 S Ochs, May 30, 2020
  2. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    I hope the EMTs were able to get it off of her quickly

    Mike
     
    #2 3PriusMike, Jun 1, 2020
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  3. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    I always knew one day technology would come back to bite us, but that one, I didn’t see that one coming.
     
    #3 Grit, Jun 1, 2020
  4. Hitech51

    Hitech51 Junior Member

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    Our inverter was replace by us...
    Bought a replacement on E-bay ($150) with the SAME exact parts numbers or be sure to get the correct cross-ref.
    Took about 3 hours and there are a few videos on u-tube to help.
    Be sure to disconnect both batteries and clip the cooling hoses before you disconnect them.
     
    #4 Hitech51, Jun 4, 2020
  5. S Ochs

    S Ochs New Member

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    HA HA. They are light vehicles.
     
    #5 S Ochs, Jun 23, 2020
    bisco likes this.
  6. S Ochs

    S Ochs New Member

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    We ended up putting in a new inverter. I saw the used inverters on eBay but my wife wasn't crazy about potentially breaking down again and I'm a little leery of high voltages and working in our hot Phoenix temperatures.

    I sent a letter with documentation to Toyota hoping they will cover the cost of the inverter since there are obvious issues with that model year. I also filed a complaint with the NHTSA. I have the old inverter too if Toyota wants to examine it.
     
    #6 S Ochs, Jun 23, 2020
    bisco likes this.
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i hope they cover it for you, definitely a defect. all the best!(y)
     
    #7 bisco, Jun 23, 2020
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yeah, from the first quote I was going to say to not just rely on the dealership's say so, especially with something this major. I can't see why you're not covered. Seems like they were just giving you the brush-off, and/or hoping you'd cave and have them do the job for full retail.

    I would have contacted Toyota before making another move. Just maybe they will say you were covered.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Jun 23, 2020
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  9. S Ochs

    S Ochs New Member

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    #9 S Ochs, Jul 20, 2020
  10. S Ochs

    S Ochs New Member

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    Just wanted to update the post. Toyota sent me a check for the full cost of the inverter replacement. They covered the labor cost even though the work was done at a AAA shop. Very pleased with Toyota USA!

    Now if I can get Subaru to repair my AC (5th visit to shop under warranty), I'll be really happy.
     
    #10 S Ochs, Jul 20, 2020
    Threej, bisco and Mendel Leisk like this.
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats!(y)
     
    #11 bisco, Jul 20, 2020
  12. David In FL

    David In FL Junior Member

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    I know this is an older post, but it's good info and has a happy ending.

    The inverter in my 2013 died on xmas eve. I took it into Toyota, and they replaced the inverter and computer for free!

    They did however try to charge me $70 for an oil change I had done. Their website had shown a service special for $38. Then they dropped it to $50. I told them I've never paid $50 for an oil change in my life. Finally, they dropped it to $32.

    So, my opinion of dealers remains unchanged.
     
    #12 David In FL, Jan 1, 2022
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