P0A80 Hybrid battery pack flagged for replacement

Replace hybrid battery pack

P0A80 in short

P0A80 means the hybrid computer judges the high-voltage battery pack should be replaced. Aged or weak cells are the usual cause, but Toyota bulletins show a dust-clogged battery cooling fan can set it, and a wrong or altered pack can too. Get a hybrid specialist to test it; do not open the pack.

The hybrid computer compares the cell blocks in the traction battery. When their voltage or resistance differs too much, or the pack cannot hold charge, it sets P0A80 and lights the check engine light.

Ageing is the most common reason. Toyota, though, has many bulletins for P0A80 and P0A7F caused by dust or debris in the battery cooling fan or duct filter, which lets the pack overheat. Toyota also warns that some cases involve a battery that has been internally modified, and Honda has a bulletin and a recall for 2018 Accord Hybrids where an incorrect battery sets the code.

The pack holds enough voltage to cause fatal shock. Nothing here asks you to open it. Have a hybrid technician test it and check bulletins and coverage first, since hybrid batteries often have a long warranty.

Most likely causes

  1. Worn or failed cells in the hybrid battery pack

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Kelley Blue Book lists battery ageing, weak cells and temperature extremes first, and Toyota says a Prius c with P0A80 needs the battery replaced.
    What would change this
    Rises on an older, high-mileage hybrid with rapid charge swings. Falls if the cooling fan is clogged or the pack was recently replaced or altered.

  2. Dust or debris in the battery cooling fan or duct filter (Toyota hybrids)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Toyota has bulletins for P0A80 or P0A7F caused by dust and debris in the hybrid battery cooling fan on the Prius (2004-2015 and Prius v), Camry Hybrid (2007-2016) and Prius c, with the cooling duct filter named on the 2013-2014 Camry. Only summaries were read.
    What would change this
    Rises on a Toyota hybrid with pets, dusty cabin air or blocked rear-seat vents. Falls if the fan and filter are clean.

  3. Internally modified or reconditioned battery pack (Toyota hybrids)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Toyota technical tip T-TT-0365-15 says some P0A80 cases involve internal modification of the hybrid battery and that altered parts are not covered by warranty.
    What would change this
    Rises if the pack was rebuilt or replaced with a non-OEM unit. Falls on an original pack.

  4. Incorrect battery installed (2018 Accord Hybrid)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda bulletin A18-116 says an incorrect high-voltage battery sets P0A80, and a related dealer message announces an emissions recall for the code on some 2018 Accord Hybrids.
    What would change this
    Rises if the battery was replaced earlier. Falls on an original pack or other models.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes. Note P0A7F, which Toyota lists with P0A80, and any other hybrid battery codes.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool that reads hybrid modules

    • IfP0A80 comes with P0A7F on a Toyota hybrid

      It meansToyota names a clogged battery cooling fan as a cause; check bulletins.

      Go to step 2

    • IfIt is a 2018 Accord Hybrid

      It meansCheck recall and bulletin status.

      Go to step 2

    • IfAnother make

      It meansA technician tests the pack.

      Go to step 3

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a recall, bulletin or battery warranty that covers P0A80.

    Low risk

  3. Have a hybrid technician test the battery pack and cooling system with the manufacturer scan tool.

    Best left to a shopTool: manufacturer scan tool, high-voltage safety equipment

    Warning:The pack carries high voltage and can cause fatal shock. Do not open the pack or its orange cables.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light and hybrid warning
  • Worse fuel economy and more engine running
  • Odd battery charge level readings that swing quickly
  • Loss of power or stalling Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

On your vehicle

Toyota

  • 2004–2015 · Prius

    Supported by vehicle data

    Toyota has fan-debris bulletins for P0A80 on the 2004-2009 and 2013-2015 Prius, and a technical tip on altered batteries covering the Prius family. Status not verified.

  • 2007–2016 · Camry

    Supported by vehicle data

    Toyota has fan-debris bulletins for P0A80 or P0A7F on the Camry Hybrid for 2007-2011, 2012, 2013-2014 and 2015-2016. Status not verified.

  • 2012–2016 · Prius V

    Supported by vehicle data

    Toyota lists P0A80 or P0A7F from battery fan debris on the 2012-2014 Prius v. Status not verified.

  • 2012–2017 · Prius C

    Supported by vehicle data

    Toyota says P0A80 on the Prius c needs a new battery and a cleaned or replaced cooling filter. Status not verified.

  • 2013–2016 · Avalon

    Supported by vehicle data

    The Toyota technical tip on altered hybrid batteries (T-TT-0365-15) covers the Avalon Hybrid. Status not verified.

  • T-SB-0153-13Status unverified

    MIL with P0A80 or P0A7F from dust in battery cooling fan

    2004–2009prius · NHTSA 10132091

    Dust or debris in the hybrid battery cooling fan; the NHTSA summary does not give the repair steps.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • T-SB-0012-14Status unverified

    MIL with P0A80 or P0A7F from dust in battery cooling fan

    2007–2011camry · NHTSA 10131907

    Dust or debris in the hybrid battery cooling fan; the summary does not give the repair steps.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • T-SB-0088-13Status unverified

    MIL with P0A80 or P0A7F from dust in battery cooling fan

    2012camry · NHTSA 10132244

    Same cause as T-SB-0012-14 for the 2012 Camry Hybrid.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • T-SB-0171-13Status unverified

    MIL with P0A80 or P0A7F from dust in battery cooling fan

    2012–2014prius-v · NHTSA 10132065

    Same cause for the Prius v.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • T-SB-0013-14Status unverified

    MIL with P0A80 from dust in battery cooling fan

    2013–2015prius · NHTSA 10131909

    Dust or debris in the cooling fan; revisions (NHTSA 10106002 and others) extend the years to 2015.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • T-SB-0049-14Status unverified

    MIL with P0A80 or P0A7F from dust in cooling fan or duct filter

    2013–2014camry · NHTSA 10132716

    Dust or debris in the battery cooling fan and/or the internal cooling duct filter assembly.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • T-SB-0033-16Status unverified

    MIL with P0A80 or P0A7F from dust in battery cooling fan

    2015–2016camry · NHTSA 10134413

    Same cause for the 2015-2016 Camry Hybrid.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • T-TT-0365-15Status unverified

    MIL with P0A80 and internal battery modification

    2007–2016camry, prius, prius-v, prius-c, avalon · NHTSA 10132641

    Some cases show internal modification of the hybrid battery; modified or altered parts are not covered under warranty.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • T-TT-0397-16Status unverified

    MIL with P0A80: battery replacement and cooling filter

    2012–2017prius-c · NHTSA 10096908

    The hybrid battery needs replacing, and the cooling filter must be cleaned or replaced at the same time.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Honda

  • 2018 · Accord

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda says an incorrect high-voltage battery sets P0A80 on the 2018 Accord Hybrid, with an emissions recall noted in a dealer message. Status not verified.

  • A18-116Status unverified

    Incorrect HV battery sets P0A80

    2018accord · NHTSA 10152399

    If the wrong high-voltage battery is installed, P0A80 sets; a related dealer message (NHTSA 10152400) announces an emissions recall for P0A80 on certain 2018 Accord Hybrids.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for P0A80 yet.

All Hybrid and electric drive codes

P0A80 questions

Does P0A80 always mean I need a new battery?

No. Toyota bulletins show a clogged battery cooling fan can set it, and Honda has a recall tied to the code. Have it tested and check coverage first.

Can I replace the hybrid battery myself?

No. The pack carries enough voltage to cause fatal shock, so it should be tested and replaced by a trained hybrid technician.

Sources and review

  1. OBD-II code P0A80 — Kelley Blue Book
  2. Toyota T-TT-0397-16 (NHTSA 10096908) — Toyota Motor Sales
  3. Toyota T-SB-0013-14 (NHTSA 10106002) — Toyota Motor Sales
  4. Toyota T-SB-0012-14 (NHTSA 10131907) — Toyota Motor Sales
  5. Toyota T-TT-0365-15 (NHTSA 10132641) — Toyota Motor Sales
  6. Honda A18-116 (NHTSA 10152399) — American Honda
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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