2006 TOYOTA PRIUS Complaints and Recall Information
The 2006 TOYOTA PRIUS has 2 complaints and 5 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report near total brake system failure triggered by routine aging of the 12V battery. The issue involves warning lights activating before the front brakes stop working and the rear brakes locking up, often occurring as the battery approaches three years of age or in cold weather.
- Brake failure. Alarm sounds and ABS and VCS warning lights illuminate before front brakes stop working and rear brakes lock up, creating unsafe braking conditions.
- Battery aging. Failures tend to occur when the 12V battery nears three years old, especially in cold temperatures or under high 12V system load.
- Inadequate warnings. No dashboard indication alerts drivers of unsafe 12V battery conditions affecting brake control operation.
- Electrical design flaw. Brake control unit appears to have an improper voltage regulator leading to sensitivity to normal battery aging.
There are five recalls affecting various systems including steering, hybrid propulsion, engine cooling, and labeling compliance. These recalls address issues that could impact vehicle safety or compliance with federal standards.
- Steering intermediate shaft. (NHTSA Recall 12V537000) 669,705 vehicles recalled for shaft splines with insufficient hardness that may wear and fail, causing loss of steering. Dealers will inspect and replace defective shafts free of charge.
- Electric water pump. (NHTSA Recall 12V536000) 350,662 vehicles recalled for scratched coil wire inside the electric water pump that may corrode and break, causing the hybrid system to stall and increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the water pump at no cost starting January 2013.
- Tire label compliance. (NHTSA Recall 10V036000) 153,418 vehicles recalled for missing or incorrect load carrying capacity labels, risking vehicle overload. Corrected labels will be mailed or installed by dealers free of charge.
Owners facing repeated brake failures or unresolved recall repairs related to safety defects may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting with a qualified attorney can help clarify potential remedies.
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS Summary
2006
Model Year
2
Total Complaints
3
Total Recalls
1173785
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS
350662 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Risk: 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.
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS
669705 vehicles affected
STEERING
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness.
Risk: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS
153418 vehicles affected
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Complaints
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS
ID: 2052066ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The following describes a near total failure of the brake system that accompanies and is triggered by routine aging of the battery. I believe this applies to multiple model years and editions of the Prius, based on reports by other owners on owners' discussion groups. I believe this should have the highest severity level. Here is what happens: An alarm is sounded, several warning lights ABS, VCS appear, and soon after that, the front brakes stop working. The rear brakes then prove ineffective and lock up. The happens with high frequency under any of the following conditions: (a) as the battery approaches 3yrs age, (b) it is excessively cold outside. (c) there is a higher than typical load on the 12V system from any of a variety of reasons. After installing a fresh new 12V battery, the above happens with much less frequency. There no warning on the dashboard to indicate that the condition of the 12V battery is not safe for operation of the vehicle. It seems clear that the route cause is that the brake control unit is configured within inadequate tolerance for the normal aging of the 12V battery, compounded by the absence of warning on the dash. This probably traces back to a poorly chosen LDO voltage regulator in the design of the brake control unit. Recommendation: Review the electrical designs for the brake control unit, all model years, replace as needed and update the dash board computer to provide warning when the battery condition is not sufficient for safe operation of the vehicle. I further recommend that this be done with all due haste, as the condition is quite dangerous. Qualifications: PhD Chemical Physics and Electrical Engineer
2006 TOYOTA PRIUS
ID: 2052065SERVICE BRAKES
The following describes a near total failure of the brake system that accompanies and is triggered by routine aging of the battery. I believe this applies to multiple model years and editions of the Prius, based on reports by other owners on owners' discussion groups. I believe this should have the highest severity level. Here is what happens: An alarm is sounded, several warning lights ABS, VCS appear, and soon after that, the front brakes stop working. The rear brakes then prove ineffective and lock up. The happens with high frequency under any of the following conditions: (a) as the battery approaches 3yrs age, (b) it is excessively cold outside. (c) there is a higher than typical load on the 12V system from any of a variety of reasons. After installing a fresh new 12V battery, the above happens with much less frequency. There no warning on the dashboard to indicate that the condition of the 12V battery is not safe for operation of the vehicle. It seems clear that the route cause is that the brake control unit is configured within inadequate tolerance for the normal aging of the 12V battery, compounded by the absence of warning on the dash. This probably traces back to a poorly chosen LDO voltage regulator in the design of the brake control unit. Recommendation: Review the electrical designs for the brake control unit, all model years, replace as needed and update the dash board computer to provide warning when the battery condition is not sufficient for safe operation of the vehicle. I further recommend that this be done with all due haste, as the condition is quite dangerous. Qualifications: PhD Chemical Physics and Electrical Engineer