Toyota Recalls One Million Prius and C-HR Hybrids Over Fire Risk

Toyota is recalling over one million Prius and C-HR crossovers due to engine wires that pose a potential fire risk. Involved in the call-back are roughly 192,000 vehicles in the United States, according to estimates made by the automaker on Wednesday. However, the vast majority of the 554,000 affected vehicles reside in Japan.

While no injuries have been reported, an alleged incident occurred in February 2018 where a wire harness connected to the vehicle’s hybrid power control unit shorted out.

Toyota claims this portion of the wire harness could contact the cover at this connection and wear over time. This could eventually cause an electrical short circuit in the engine compartment and generate heat. Assuming sufficient heat is generated, it all amounts to an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

If you’re new to the driving scene or not interested in automotive jargon, vehicle fires are typically undesirable — hence the recall.

Toyota says the issue concerns all models of the current-generation Prius and the hybrid version of the C-HR produced until May of this year. Dealers will check the engine wire harness assembly of all affected units. If a wire core is found exposed, the engine wire harness assembly will be replaced with a new one that includes a protective sleeve intended to prevent wear and potential shorting. If a wire core is not exposed, protective tape will be installed on the engine wire harness assembly. Whether you get the bandaid or the full surgery, both operations will be performed at no cost to customers. Owners should receive a notification by first class mail starting in late September.

However, if you’re freaking out already, customers can check their vehicle’s status by visiting Toyota’s recall website and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information. Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available through the NHTSA.

[Image: Toyota]