Toyota Issues Recall for CH-R and Prius Plug-in Hybrids

Toyota is recalling approximately 28,600 model year 2018 CH-R and 39,900 2012-2015 Prius Plug-In Hybrid vehicles for a problem with parking brakes and an EV control fuse.

For the CH-R

In the involved C-HR vehicles, there is a possibility that the electronic parking brake (EPB) may not operate properly. This could cause the parking brake to not disengage after it is applied or prevent it from being applied. If the electronic parking brake cannot be applied, this could result in a potential noncompliance with a federal safety standard.

For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will update an electronic control unit’s software to correct the EPB issue at no cost to customers.  All known owners will receive a notification by first-class mail starting in late-November.

For the Prius Plug-In Hybrid

The hybrid system on the involved Prius Plug-In Hybrid vehicles contains an Electric Vehicle (EV) fuse which may malfunction if the vehicle is repeatedly operated in EV mode under high-load driving conditions, such as during a long hill climb. If the fuse malfunctions, warning lights and warning messages will illuminate. In some cases, the vehicle can be driven, but with reduced power. In other cases, the hybrid system could shut down, resulting in the loss of motive power. Power steering and braking will not be affected. Loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds can increase the risk of a crash.

For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will replace the fuse with an improved one at no cost to customers.  All known owners will receive a notification by first-class mail starting in January 2018.

Aaron Turpen
An automotive enthusiast for most of his adult life, Aaron has worked in and around the industry in many ways. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP), the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), and freelances as a writer and journalist around the Web and in print. You can find his portfolio at AaronOnAutos.com.