Toyota issues mass recall of Prius

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The 2010 Prius has been recalled by Toyota after complaints of brake problems. [AFP]

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President of Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda announces recall

Created: 09/02/2010

Mark Willacy, North Asia correspondent

Last Updated: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 20:58:00 +1100

Toyota has lodged a recall in Japan of 200,000 of its latest model Prius cars after complaints of brake problems in the hybrid car.

The car company has filed the recall in Japan so it can fix a software glitch in the anti-lock braking system on the Prius.

It's believed the car-maker will also file for a recall in the United States and then follow that in other countries where the hybrid is sold.

Toyota will also suspend sales of two other hybrids, the Sai sedan and the Lexus HS-250h, which use the same braking system.

The president of Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda says the company would redouble its commitment quality at every level.

"All of us at Toyota will tackle the issue in close cooperation with our dealers and with suppliers," he said.

"Together we will do everything in our power to regain the confidence of our customers."

The Prius recall has further damaged the Japanese company's reputation for quality and comes after Toyota recalled more than 8 million other vehicles because of slipping floor-mats and sticky accelerator pedals.

The current recall will affect more than 430,000 hybrid cars worldwide, including the 2010 model Prius.

Australian recall

Toyota has also announced a recall of its current generation Prius vehicles in Australia after reports of braking problems.

More than 400,000 hybrid cars are being recalled worldwide, with 2,400 in Australia.

The car came on the market in Australia last July.

Toyota Australia spokesman Glenn Campbell says the company is contacting all Prius customers to arrange to have the cars repaired.

He says the cars will still stop when extra pressure is applied to the pedal.

"Some customers can experience inconsistent break feel when the breaks are applied lightly, for example when driving over a pot hole, bumpy or slippery road surfaces," he said.

"The brake pedal feel may not be what they expect but the break itself does not stop working.

"It will stop the car but the driver may need to press harder on the break under these conditions."