This morning Toyota announced it is recalling 133,000 2010 model Prius and 14,500 Lexus Division 2010 HS 250h vehicles because of potential brake problems.
And another 7,300 2010 model Camry vehicles equipped with 4 cylinder engines are also being recalled so mechanics can inspect a power steering hose that may be in contact with a front brake tube. This could create a hole in the brake tube and cause brake fluid to leak and “greater vehicle stopping distance.”
The company admits “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.”
So Toyota will update the vehicles software in the anti-lock brake system.
According to Toyota, only Prius vehicles produced since May 2009 and all HS 250h vehicles are subject to this recall. First- and second-generation Prius vehicles use a different ABS system and are not involved in this campaign.
Problems date back much further than 2010 models
Yet a quick check of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration web site shows people with older model Prius cars have also reported brake problems.
One of the most recent complaints from someone who owns a 2003 Prius. That car owner says, “It was found that both the computer and the PUM/Engine System for the brakes failed simultaneously. I was charged $2,000 for repairs.”
Another car owner who has a 2001 Prius said, “The brake problem people are reporting may exist in many more vehicles than reported.”
In fact, most of the complaints filed with the NHTSA were not filed until the initial problems with the 2010 Prius began to surface. If you’d like to find out the proper agencies to file complaints I’ve made it very easy for you. Just check out the blog I posted last week.
