Toyota Prius, Lexus and Camry Recalled Over Braking Systems

Torrence, CA: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc, announced February 8, 2010 that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 133,000 2010 Model Year Prius vehicles and 14,500 Lexus Division 2010 HS 250h vehicles to update software in the vehicle's anti-lock brake system (ABS). No other Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles are involved in this recall.

The ABS, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. Some 2010 model year Prius and 2010 HS 250h owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the ABS is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction.

Toyota has responded to owner concerns with a running production change for 2010 Prius that was introduced last month, improving the ABS system's response time, as well as the system's overall sensitivity to tire slippage. The production change for the HS 250h is planned for later this month.

This recall follows a formal investigation that was launched earlier this month by the US safety regulators into the braking system on the 2010 Toyota Prius.

According to a report on MSNBC.com, the investigation is a result of some 124 complaints about momentary Prius braking problems after motorists rolled over bumps or potholes, received by the Transportation Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation will cover 37,000 vehicles.

To date, there have reportedly been four crashes and two minor injuries resulting from braking problems in the Prius. Consumers reports involve brief lags in braking or a 'brake surge.'

The Prius was not included in the Toyota Recalls over sticking gas pedals.

Camry Brakes

Separately, Toyota will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 7,300 early production - 2010 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 4 cylinder engine to inspect for a power steering hose that may be in contact with a front brake tube. This contact could lead to a hole in the brake tube and cause a brake fluid leak, increased brake pedal stroke and greater vehicle stopping distance.

Owners of the involved 2010 Camry vehicles will be notified by mail starting in the middle of February.

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Published on Feb-9-10