P0A94 The hybrid system has detected a performance fault in the DC/DC converter inside the inverter assembly

DC/DC converter performance

P0A94 in short

P0A94 means the hybrid control computer has found the DC/DC converter, part of the high-voltage inverter assembly, not performing as expected. On Toyota Prius models it often points to a failing inverter, which Toyota has extended coverage for. It can cause power loss or stalling, so have a dealer diagnose it promptly.

Hybrids and EVs use converters inside the inverter assembly to change voltage between the high-voltage battery, the motors and the 12-volt system. P0A94 sets when the hybrid control computer sees the converter output behave abnormally, for example with excess ripple or noise.

Most reports come from Toyota. Toyota bulletins for 2010-2015 Prius and 2012-2017 Prius v tie P0A94 with P324E, P0A1A or P3004 to the inverter with converter, and Toyota has warranty and customer programs for the intelligent power module inside it. Nissan and Jeep fix some cases with software instead.

Every repair path here involves high voltage, so there are no safe DIY steps beyond asking about coverage.

Most likely causes

  1. Inverter with converter or its power module failing (Toyota Prius family)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Toyota bulletins tie P0A94 to the inverter with converter, Toyota has warranty and customer programs for its power module, and dealers found failed inverters on a 2010 Prius and a 2012 Prius c.
    What would change this
    Rises on a Prius or Prius v with P324E, P0A1A or P3004 stored alongside P0A94.

  2. Control module software needing an update

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan updates software for P0A94 in the Leaf charger and power delivery module, and a Jeep battery pack module flash covers P0A94 on the Wrangler eTorque.
    What would change this
    Rises if your vehicle matches a bulletin and the module is not on the latest software.

  3. Converter output fault detected by the hybrid computer

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The code sets when the converter output shows abnormal ripple or noise; the detail code read by a dealer tool narrows down the cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code returns immediately after clearing, as a Prius c dealer found with detail code 172.

What to test first

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

  1. Have the codes and Toyota detail (information) codes read with a scan tool that supports the hybrid system.

    Low riskTool: scan tool with hybrid coverage

    • IfP0A94 with P324E, P0A1A or P3004 on a Prius or Prius v

      It meansMatches the Toyota inverter bulletin.

      Go to step 2

    • IfNissan Leaf, or Jeep with a battery pack module code

      It meansCheck for a software update.

      Go to step 2

  2. Ask a dealer to check your VIN for bulletins, software updates and extended coverage programs that mention the inverter or P0A94.

    Low risk

  3. Have a dealer or hybrid specialist diagnose the inverter and converter using the maker procedure for the detail code.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:The inverter and converter carry lethal high voltage. Leave all diagnosis and repair to a dealer or hybrid specialist.

Symptoms

  • Check Hybrid System or check engine warning
  • Sudden loss of power or limp mode Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Car stalls or will not go Ready Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • 12-volt battery warning

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.

Parts and cost context

  • inverter with converter:Toyota has warranty and customer programs (POL14, 20TE10, 23TE03) for the inverter power module on some 2010-2017 Prius and Prius v, so ask a dealer before paying. High-voltage part: dealer or hybrid specialist only. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Toyota

  • 2010–2015 · Prius

    Supported by vehicle data

    Toyota T-SB-0003-21 and support programs cover the inverter with converter for P0A94; a dealer found a failed inverter after the engine stopped on the highway. Whether they are still current is not verified.

  • 2012–2017 · Prius V

    Supported by vehicle data

    Toyota T-SB-0003-21 and support programs 20TE10 and 23TE03 cover the inverter for P0A94. Whether they are still current is not verified.

  • 2012–2014 · Prius C

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owners report power loss, limp mode and stalling with P0A94, and a dealer found inverter power module failures. These models are not named in the Prius bulletins read.

  • T-SB-0003-21Status unverified

    MIL with P0A94, P324E, P0A1A and/or P3004

    2010–2017prius, prius-v · issued · NHTSA 10187254

    Malfunction in the inverter with converter assembly.

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

  • T-SB-0036-16Status unverified

    MIL with P0A94, P324E, P0A1A and/or P3004

    2010–2017prius, prius-v · issued · NHTSA 10178786

    Earlier version of the inverter with converter bulletin.

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

  • ZE3 POL14Status unverified

    Intelligent Power Module warranty policy

    2010–2014prius · issued · NHTSA 10145758

    The power module inside the inverter may fail; warranty policy coverage.

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

  • 20TE10Status unverified

    Customer Support Program: Intelligent Power Module

    2013–2017prius, prius-v · issued · NHTSA 10182971

    Extended coverage for the inverter power module.

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

  • 23TE03Status unverified

    Customer Confidence Program: Intelligent Power Module

    2010–2017prius, prius-v · issued · NHTSA 10240056

    Coverage from a class action settlement for the inverter power module.

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

Nissan

  • 2013–2015 · Leaf

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB14083: software update for P0A94 in the charger/PDM. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • NTB14083Status unverified

    P0A94 and/or B2902 in the charger/PDM

    2013–2015leaf · issued · NHTSA 10192432

    Software update.

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

Jeep

  • Wrangler

    Supported by vehicle data

    Jeep 0816923 flashes the eTorque battery pack control module for codes including P0A94; one owner lost power days after the flash.

  • 0816923Status unverified

    Battery Pack Control Module updates

    2019wrangler · issued · NHTSA 10242800

    BPCM flash; the code list includes P0A94 and U0293.

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

  • U0412A module received invalid data from the battery energy control module, the computer that manages the high-voltage battery

    Shares causes Possible — needs testing

    A Jeep dealer found P0A94 and U0412 together on a Wrangler eTorque and flashed the battery pack control module.

  • U0293A module lost communication with the hybrid or EV powertrain control module on the vehicle network

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    A Jeep battery pack control module flash bulletin lists both P0A94 and U0293.

All Hybrid and electric drive codes

P0A94 questions

Will Toyota cover a P0A94 inverter repair?

Possibly. Toyota has warranty and customer programs for the inverter power module on some 2010-2017 Prius and Prius v. A dealer can check your VIN. One Prius c owner reports their model was not included.

Sources and review

  1. P0A94 (555): DC/DC converter performance — TAT (Technical Automotive Training) scan data codes
  2. Toyota T-SB-0003-21: MIL with P0A94, P324E, P0A1A, P3004 (2010-2015 Prius, 2012-2017 Prius v) — Toyota / NHTSA ,
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 10534378: 2010 Toyota Prius — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11722252: 2012 Toyota Prius c — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11500797: 2013 Toyota Prius c — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 11667479: 2014 Toyota Prius c — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  7. NHTSA complaint ODI 11689868: 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  8. Toyota T-SB-0036-16: MIL with P0A94, P324E, P0A1A, P3004 (2010-2015 Prius, 2012-2017 Prius v) — Toyota / NHTSA ,
  9. Toyota ZE3 POL14: Intelligent Power Module warranty policy (2010-2014 Prius) — Toyota / NHTSA ,
  10. Nissan NTB14083: P0A94 and/or B2902 in the Charger/PDM (2013-2015 Leaf) — Nissan / NHTSA ,
  11. Jeep 0816923: Battery Pack Control Module diagnostic and system updates (Wrangler) — FCA / NHTSA ,
  12. NHTSA complaint ODI 11766716: 2019 Jeep Wrangler — NHTSA (owner complaint)
  13. Toyota 20TE10: Customer Support Program, Intelligent Power Module (2013-2017 Prius, Prius v) — Toyota / NHTSA ,
  14. Toyota 23TE03: Customer Confidence Program, Intelligent Power Module (2010-2017 Prius, Prius v) — Toyota / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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