Report: Toyota Prius braking issues may predate 2010 model; other problems reported

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

2009 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res gallery

Could the apparent braking problems reported on the Toyota Prius - which Toyota admits was an issue on the current model prior to being resolved earlier this year - extend past the recently released 2010 model? According to TheDetroitBureau.com, the answer is a resounding... maybe.

The third generation of the popular hybrid hatchback hit the market in 2009 as a 2010 model, and some 300,000 vehicles are thought to have a software glitch that could cause the car to lose braking power for up to one full second under certain circumstances. But that's not all. Apparently, reports of braking issues have been pouring in since 2005 or even earlier. If true, over a million second-generation Prius hybrids could potentially be affected.

Perhaps it's worth mentioning that previous electronic issues have also been reported, such as headlights that burn out too quickly and malfunctioning traction control system. As pointed out by TheDetroitBureau.com, "ABS, traction control, electronic stability control and various other technologies all rely, at least in part, on braking to improve the stopping, handling and stability of today's cars, including Prius."

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Prius

[Source: TheDetroitBureau.com]

Report: Toyota Prius braking issues may predate 2010 model; other problems reported originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota to extend recall run to Prius and Lexus HS over braking issue

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Lexus, Toyota

2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for high-res image gallery

While Toyota still hasn't officially recalled the Prius, they have admitted the world's most popular hybrid has potential brake problems. The company is now also looking into whether the Prius' country club cousin, the Lexus HS250 hybrid, and the Japan-only Sai hybrid, which is based on the HS, might also need their brakes fixed. As of yet, nothing has been decided, but we expect more news soon.

It's also being reported by the Japanese media and The New York Times that Toyota will issue a global recall for the Prius early this week, and Automotive News reports that the car's brake problems will be fixed with a software update to the anti-lock braking system. With news of the Prius' brake problems spreading, reports of problems are increasing dramatically. While there were just over 100 complaints lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of last week, there are now over 800, a good sign that Toyota needs to do something, and soon.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Prius

[Sources: New York Times, Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: Toyota to extend recall run to Prius and Lexus HS over braking issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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