P0A3CDrive Motor A Inverter Over Temperature
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- How the car detects it
- P0A3C reports overheating of the inverter that powers drive motor A, usually measured at its IGBT power switches. Mitsubishi sets it on the 2023 Outlander PHEV when the front motor control unit reads 166 °C or more at the U-phase upper IGBT for 0.12 s; other switch positions have their own P30xx codes. Honda calls it motor control module overheating and lists it among the codes caused by a cracked solder joint in the 2012-15 Civic Hybrid motor power inverter, covered by a warranty extension. On the 2023-25 Accord Hybrid and 2025-26 Civic Hybrid, Honda links it to a PCU radiator damaged by road debris. P0A78 is the general inverter performance code, P0C11 to P0C13 are phase-specific. Power is cut to protect the inverter.
- What you may notice
- Hybrid system warning and check engine light
- Strongly reduced drive power
- Coolant loss from the inverter circuit
- Likely causes
- LikelyPCU or inverter radiator damaged or leaking (Honda Accord/Civic Hybrid)
- PossibleInternal inverter defect such as a cracked solder joint (Honda Civic Hybrid 2012-15)
- PossibleLow coolant or failed electric pump in the inverter cooling circuit
- RareRadiator fan not running
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Workshop only · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €150 – €5,000
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.