Fire risk sparks Prius recall

Toyota is recalling more than a million hybrid models built between 2015 and 2018 because of a fire risk, writes Damien O’carroll.

Adefect that could cause a fire in the Toyota Prius has triggered a recall of more than one million units of the hybrid globally. The recall covers certain versions of the hybrid produced in Japan between June 2015 and May 2018.

Toyota said that a wiring harness that connects to the hybrid power control unit in affected vehicles can come into contact with the covering at the connection point.

If dust accumulates on the wiring harness or the cover, the insulation on the wires could wear down over time and cause a short circuit, leading to a risk of fire.

‘‘A portion of the wire harness could contact the cover at this connection and wear over time, causing an electrical short circuit, which can generate heat,’’ Toyota said. ‘‘If sufficient heat is generated, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.’’

The issue affects vehicles produced in Japan between June 2015 and May 2018, and includes the plug-in version of the Prius and the C-HR compact crossover SUV sold in Japan, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

According to a Toyota spokesman, the issue had so far led to only one incident of a short circuiting in Japan, which produced smoke from the vehicle.

A representative from Toyota New Zealand told Stuff: ‘‘We can confirm that 223 New Zealand-new Toyota Prius vehicles produced between June 2015 and May 2018 are included in the global recall related to the wire harness assembly.

‘‘The recall involves the wiring harness being checked by a Toyota technician and, if required, the harness will be replaced. We have not yet been notified of how many used imported vehicles have been affected.

‘‘The recall involves the wiring harness being checked by a Toyota technician and, if required, the harness will be replaced.’’

‘‘Customer safety is our upmost priority and we will be contacting all vehicle owners that are affected advising them of this recall.

‘‘Any remedial work undertaken as the result of this recall will be at no cost to the customer.’’

Cars affected by the recall were built between June 2015 and May 2018 and are all hybrid models, like this Prius.

Older Prius models pictured here are not affected by the recall.