ongoing power/power steering problem with 2013 Prius V

JC91006 · May 1, 2018

Rayman812 said: ↑

"FINAL" update:

So it's all done and over with...not without any gripes on my part. As it was, the inverter was finally replaced at Toyota's expense. SInce then, over a month and 3000+ miles now, we have not have any issues whatsoever. So the car itself is good.

Now onto the other stuff, I contacted Toyota customer's service and pretty much got a "get lost" in regards to them wasting my money on the relays and not addressing the inverter from the get-go, which is to be expected. I also have since spoken to the dealership district manager for the region, and he pretty much said there's nothing really I can do, and sounded like the dealership followed the proper procedures as far as working with Toyota and following their repair recommendations.

However, there's a little caveat added in. My complaint to the district manager was directed at the dealership, because when we finally got the car back, it was full of grime. All the floor mats were covered in dirty boot prints with a brown layer of soot, as was the dash and top of door panels, presumably from it sitting uncovered. Some of the felt trim panels had grease smudges. All these we overlooked, and just went ahead and scrubbed everything off ourselves. But while cleaning the car inside out, we noticed 3 of the 5 windows had scratches and holes on our aftermarket window tint. I contacted the dealership, really looking simply for an admission and an apology, but the service manager once again denied responsibility and said his tech did not do it. This is what led me to contact the district manager, who said will bring it to the dealership's attention, and he also recommended me to use a different dealership on the other side of town - which is a decision that I was close to making anyhow.

So all in all, we're out just under $1200, a lot of wasted time back and forth with the dealer, a few scratches on our less than a year old tint job, and a few hours of scrubbing the car. But the car is now fixed albeit a few extra unnecessary new parts, and hopefully will stay reliable for the foreseeable future.

So this is it for now from me, hope by documenting this will help someone else who might be looking at the same issues and save them the headache. By the way, the district manager did admit that Toyota has now issued a recall on that inverter issue. I haven't confirmed whether that is the case or not, but either way, keep an eye out if you are having the same issue(s). Thanks for listening.
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I wonder if they went out of their way to solve your issue because you are part of the Toyota family.......but I'm glad they addressed the issue and fixed it

Rayman812 · May 2, 2018

Regarding the mpg, no we have not seen an improvement, in fact it's lower than before. Throughout our ownership since 2014/15-ish, the car averages 40mpg, started out almost 44 but gradually dropped. And since we've gotten it back now, it's around 35-36 with the same driving habits. So I would say new inverter does not get your mpg back. That probalpr lies in the main battery pack.

As for getting preferential treatment as a Toyota employee, if this is preferential, I don't want to know what's the alternative. As mentioned, the district manager just informed me now they have a full recall, so clearly enough people are having the same problem and they can no longer try to circumvent it like they have been with us and other previous cases.

JC91006 · May 2, 2018

Rayman812 said: ↑

Regarding the mpg, no we have not seen an improvement, in fact it's lower than before. Throughout our ownership since 2014/15-ish, the car averages 40mpg, started out almost 44 but gradually dropped. And since we've gotten it back now, it's around 35-36 with the same driving habits. So I would say new inverter does not get your mpg back. That probalpr lies in the main battery pack.

As for getting preferential treatment as a Toyota employee, if this is preferential, I don't want to know what's the alternative. As mentioned, the district manager just informed me now they have a full recall, so clearly enough people are having the same problem and they can no longer try to circumvent it like they have been with us and other previous cases.
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Since there is an official recall, they would reimburse you for expenses related to this repair. So you might try and submit a claim for the money you've spent

Rayman812 · May 3, 2018

JC91006 said: ↑

Since there is an official recall, they would reimburse you for expenses related to this repair. So you might try and submit a claim for the money you've spent
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unfortunately there is no "claim" process, you contact the customer service hotline, and they shut you down pretty much.

JC91006 · May 3, 2018

Rayman812 said: ↑

unfortunately there is no "claim" process, you contact the customer service hotline, and they shut you down pretty much.
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wait for the recall paperwork, there should be language in there for reimbursement if you've paid out of pocket for repairs related to the recall.

Rayman812 · May 3, 2018

Problem is the inverter was replaced free of charge, it's leading up to the inverter, those I don't believe they will. If I get the paperwork I'll definitely look at it.

Air_Boss · May 3, 2018

Rayman812 said: ↑

Problem is the inverter was replaced free of charge, it's leading up to the inverter, those I don't believe they will. If I get the paperwork I'll definitely look at it.
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Dealership shotgunning other parts when they knew IPM recall had not been done? Professional misconduct!

mikefocke · May 3, 2018

I may not get the parts back when they are paying but I do ask to see them. And if I am buying, I get to take em home.

Rayman812 · May 10, 2018

mikefocke said: ↑

I may not get the parts back when they are paying but I do ask to see them. And if I am buying, I get to take em home.
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I usually do but didn't this time.

bisco · May 10, 2018

this must have been fascinating water cooler talk at your workplace.

ongoing power/power steering problem with 2013 Prius V

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ongoing power/power steering problem with 2013 Prius V

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