An electrical engineer who routinely tracks the calculated MPG of his 2013 Prius noticed a significant drop in efficiency following a recall (software change) meant to fix a problem with overheating inverters in the cars.
Toyota recalled 800,000 cars in the U.S. to apply a fix that may have reduced stress on the hybrid components by increasing the share of work done by the gasoline engine. When asked directly, the company hasn't denied this may have affected efficiency.
A class-action suit is in the works:
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Assertions that the Toyota software change decreased the car's fuel economy are contained in a lawsuit seeking class-action status filed this month in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. "Unbeknownst to drivers, Toyota reduced the vehicles' fuel efficiency, which is the main reason why consumers purchase Priuses," it alleges.
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To add insult to injury, Toyota is also being sued by one of its dealers, which alleges the software update didn't actually fix the problem; it only delays the failure.
Cherry on top: "a complaint by the dealer is now under review by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration" because the problem can cause the car to suddenly enter "limp mode" (drastically reduced power output) without warning, including at freeway speeds.
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Toyota Prius software fix may reduce fuel efficiency, experts say