Jordan Yerman, thanks for getting this story out so quickly. It will now show up on the home page for four hours. If new developments justify it, I'll renew this flag for another cycle.
NP Rank:
A Toyota Prius brake recall may be on the horizon as The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received over 100 complaints about the brakes intalled in the latest model of the Toyota Prius hybrid, including two crashes. Now, the NHTSA has launched a formal investigation into the Prius and its brake problems and will determine if a Prius brake recall is needed
The Prius brake problem only adds to Toyota's woes, as the automaker is in the middle of a massive recall involving eight models of car. Toyota's PR stance has been to minimize the appearance of urgency in the recall, as evidenced by television ads airing in Canada, which pitch the recall as a peace-of-mind issue, and not as a true safety issue.
Japan's transport ministry said today it has also received 14 complaints since July last year about brake problems with Toyota's new Prius hybrid.
The problem presents itself as reduced braking power when driving on bumpy roads.
One of the possible causes of the braking problems, according to the Kyodo News Service, is that a sensor in the system that controls braking power receives a strong shock that causes a malfunction.
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (8)
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Mark K (not verified)at 07:43 on February 3rd, 2010
When driving any automobile with anti-lock brakes over 'rough and bumpy' surfaces, the brakes tend to let go unexpectedly. After driving Ford Crown Victoria's and other police vehicles for over 25 years, I know the problem. It is most evident when driving over railroad tracks when braking. As you pass over the tracks, the brakes just seem to "let go". You have to release the brakes, then reapply. I have a Prius and have noted the same thing. I've also noticed it in Fords, Chevrolets (all GM for that matter), Honda, Nissan and others. Same technology - same problem.
at 09:47 on February 3rd, 2010
Dear Toyota,
Thank you dearly for falling apart on everyone -- brakes, accelerators, throttles, whatever. Your loyal base will have to take some beating before they give it up. In the mean time, we're selling our cars and thinking serously about manufacturing lawn mowers.
Edsel Ford Jr. Jr.
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david3737 (not verified)at 15:41 on February 3rd, 2010
Toyota car owners are mad and they don’t want promises for adjusted accelerator pedals or new brakes, they want answersin addition to their cars being fixed and they want it all now.Already in hot water over what they knew and when,Toyota better step up and deal with the issues at hand,we are not talking toy cars here!Check out this article and keep up to date with the latest news and like I did!<a href="ketiva.com/Cars_and_Transportation/toyotas_troubles_now_affecting_stopping_as_well_as_moving_forward.html">ketiva.com/Cars_and_Transportation/toyotas_troubles_now_affecting_stopping_as_well_as_moving_forward.html</a>
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david3737 (not verified)at 15:42 on February 3rd, 2010
Toyota car owners are mad and they don’t want promises for adjusted accelerator pedals or new brakes, they want answersin addition to their cars being fixed and they want it all now.Already in hot water over what they knew and when,Toyota better step up and deal with the issues at hand,we are not talking toy cars here!Check out this article and keep up to date with the latest news and like I did!ketiva.com/Cars_and_Transportation/toyotas_troubles_now_affecting_stopping_as_well_as_moving_forward.html
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JDS (not verified)at 05:41 on February 4th, 2010
Ya know people, give Toyota a break already. How long have they been an excellent car manufacturer? How long have they been providing people with affordable, safe, quality vehicles at a price that the average working stiff can have a decent car, as opposed to the crap that Detroit was cranking out forever and ever? How long have they been know for their excellent design and build? So they have a few problems that all come at the same time..... so what? Because a few morons can't drive their cars in an emergency situation and get dead, is that Toyota's fault? I think not. So get off the mainstream media attack bandwagon and cut them some slack. Let them correct the problems and make things right. Give them a chance. Otherwise, you keep up your yapping and whining and they go out of business and your choices will diminish. You won't have anybody to support or backup your current ride......and you'll end up having to buy cars made by Barack Obama in Detroit, Michigan and your monthly payment will go to the US fed and not a real car company....and as with all things US government, you'll get the crap that you expect. You think Toyota is bad right now....screw them up and see what you're left with and then we'll talk about complaining. So shut up b*****s and get a life. Drive your freakin Toyota to your job and be glad you've even GOT a new car to drive and a job to go to. Ungrateful bunch of whining wimps.............
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Speedtrap47 (not verified)at 04:22 on February 7th, 2010
The fact that Toyota has known about many of these problems to varying degrees and has tried to bury them by what seems to be a series of denials or dismissive counter arguments makes them as liable and responsible as any other manufacturer of products that may cause harm to their owners due to design flaws and malfunction and that tries to conceal them to prevent economic loss. What's worse, it puts them somewhat in the same league as the tobacco industry by the fact that they concealed info relevant to the consumer's safety. The fact that smokers must take responsibility for their actions doesn't diminish the tobacco industries' treachery. While I agree that there are countless morons in this world, (just look at how feeble minded and illogical the typical voter is) and that many drivers can't reason their way out of a paper bag doesn't reduce the obligation of car companies to provide warnings and advisories about the quirks and odd vulnerabilities that can result when some cars are driven under certain circumstances. If bumpy roads trigger braking malfunctions other than tire skidding, then the typical, unaware, unthinking consumer must be advised consistent with consumer protections. There are countless grandmas and teenagers and everyone in between who simply treat vehicles as machines with gas pedals, brakes and steering wheels, and thats all. These are the three most crucial components for operation and safety. Unfortunately, Toyota has created its own perfect storm. Heaven help them.
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lovemytoyota (not verified)at 06:53 on February 4th, 2010
In the past, I have owned these vehicles.......Chevy, Ford, Lincoln Mercury, Plymouth, Renault, Volkswagen. Today I own a Toyota Prius. I will never go with another make again. There's no comparing the construction of this vehicle. All is precise and exact. I've always had flaws in my previous cars from the start..... from inside dash boards warping, outside window gaps, and engine problems. . And Toyota is way up there as far as new technology and design. We've always been an "American Car" family but no more. Ok...so there are recalls. I think we forget how many recalls have been put out on US autos. One of my Chevy's was in the shop for recalls more then for maintenace. Toyota has hit a rough patch but I will still remain a loyal customer.
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Affected (not verified)at 08:41 on February 4th, 2010