Recall 12V536000: Electric Water Pump Replacement

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S):

Toyota/Prius 2004-2009

MANUFACTURER: Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

REPORT RECEIPT DATE: November 14, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V536000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A

COMPONENT: Engine and Engine Cooling

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 350,662

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.

REMEDY:
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.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.