Toyota Prius, Prius PHV Recall R/2021/332: Incorrect Programming In Relation To Transmission Shift Position Status Might Cause Hybrid…, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 18 Oct 2021
- Launched
- 96
- vehicles in the UK
- 21SMD-076
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Toyota recalled Prius, Prius PHV vehicles built between 31 May 2021 and 30 July 2021. Due to incorrect programming the hybrid vehicle ECU can incorrectly determine that the validation signal is erroneous for the shifter position. The dealer will reprogram the hybrid ECU. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to incorrect programming the hybrid vehicle ECU can incorrectly determine that the validation signal is erroneous for the shifter position.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: INCORRECT PROGRAMMING IN RELATION TO TRANSMISSION SHIFT POSITION STATUS MIGHT CAUSE HYBRID SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN Defect: Due to incorrect programming the hybrid vehicle ECU can incorrectly determine that the validation signal is erroneous for the shifter position Remedy: Reprogram the Hybrid ECU.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause hYBRID SYSTEM TO SHUT DOWN.
The Fix
The dealer will reprogram the hybrid ECU. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
Prius, Prius PHV built between 31 May 2021 and 30 July 2021 may be included. Toyota estimates 96 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Toyota, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Toyota.
- Book with any franchised Toyota dealer, quoting the campaign code 21SMD-076 or the DVSA reference R/2021/332. See how to get a Toyota recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriusRelay and Wire Harness installation on certain Prius | Book soon | R/2026/027 | |
| PriusThe pre-crash brake assist function can be delayed | Urgent | R/2021/260 | |
| Auris HV, PriusUnder certain circumstances the hybrid unit may shut down and cause loss of motive power | Urgent | R/2020/190 | |
| Prius, Prius PHVImproper assembly of the electrical contacts in the driver's seat belt reminder switch | Urgent | R/2020/025 | |
| PriusAn electrical short circuit in the combination meter could occur | Urgent | R/2019/440 |
This is one of 250 Toyota recalls in DVSA’s data. The Toyota recall launched before it was R/2021/303 on 27 Sep 2021, for engine management software could cause the oil/vacuum pump to become damaged. The one launched after it was R/2021/315 on 15 Nov 2021, for the emergency calling system (ecall) may not function when required. You can also see every Toyota recall, the Toyota Prius recall history, all recalls launched in 2021 and loss of power recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2021/332, launched 18 October 2021. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.