inverter converter in 2017

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Technical Discussion' started by docsam, Oct 10, 2025 at 9:10 PM.

  1. docsam

    docsam New Member

    Joined:
    Friday
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    ontario
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Technology
    my 2017 prius (150k km) decided it didnt want to start last weekend, all dash lights and triangle! were on and the messages were that the hybrid system had malfunctioned (it was also saying other systems were malfunctioning). the 12v battery was drained and dead so that was replaced and the mechanic i took it to couldnt do any more, so they brought it to toyota. the dealership is telling me its the inverter converter and that this is a very rare issue. they are expecting about $5000 for parts ($3100), labour and the diagnostics. and that they cant get the part until the end of the month. has this happened to anyone else? is this what I should expect for cost? does anyone know if in Canada for the 2017 models if there is an extended warranty on the inverters?
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    113,393
    51,600
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    welcome!
    it is unusual. we see them from time to time on earlier generations, and the cost solution is either diy, or finding a mech who will install one from salvage. if it is anything like earlier gen's, installation is relatively simple.
    all the best!
     
  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
    3,214
    1,705
    0
    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    Welcome......
    That's a very rare failure and I'd spring for a second opinion. Ask the dealer/mechanic what error codes are currently displaying - tell them you want a 'screen-shot' of the error codes. You can do some sleuthing from there. I've never heard of a dead 12VDC battery 'taking out' an inverter, especially with such low miles.

    Once the 12V battery is replaced, clear the codes and take it for a test drive to see if any codes return.

    If the inverter coolant pump wasn't working; the ECU would warn n stop the car - to prevent inverter damage. That code should be clearly visible in the set of error codes. Your suppose to go after the coolant pump first, before condemning the inverter.

    Hope this helps.....

    FWIW; down here in the lower 48 the EV portion of the car has an extended warranty - don't know about Canada; but may be worth looking into. I would think that your dealership should already know about this, so their credibility would be in question.........
     
    #3 BiomedO1, Oct 11, 2025 at 3:07 PM
    Last edited: Oct 11, 2025 at 6:58 PM