TOKYO — Toyota's handling of its latest safety issue — complaints about braking problems from owners of the 2010 Prius hybrid — has taken an unexpected turn. The automaker said Thursday that it has been aware of the issue, knows that it's due to a problem with the antilock braking system's software, and even changed the software last month, all without having notified Prius owners or the general public.
The problem, Toyota said, is a "disconnect" between the ABS software and the Prius' regenerative braking system, which uses the electric motor to aid in braking. The communication problem causes what the company described as an under-one-second delay before braking takes effect. This can cause the car to travel farther than the owner intended before the brakes kick in — as much as 90 feet, for a vehicle traveling at 60 mph. It tends to happen only under certain circumstances, such as on icy surfaces, Toyota executive Hiroyuki Yokoyama said.
Yokoyama, quoted by CNN on Thursday, said the company needs "a little time" before deciding whether to recall existing Prius hybrids that don't have the fix. He also said that, since mechanical braking can be activated by pushing harder on the pedal, the problem is not legally a safety hazard.
Inside Line says: This is not going to go over well with Prius owners and the increasingly restive pool of Toyota customers. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
commone says:
10:11 PM, 03/29/2010
I find it quite interesting reading all the comments regarding the Prius recall, ghiafan has a lot to say not relying on facts but assumptions. My wife and I both own Toyota Prius's . We have had no problems with the Toyota dealership, they have been open passing on facts and information to us. The computer has been reprogrammed in my vehicle and I have no problem recommending this car. jackson611 have you ever driven a Prius or are you relying on hear and read or on a personal experience.
ag4 says:
11:50 PM, 02/07/2010
PS: For those wondering unlike the Prius the problem of the Fusion and Milan Hybrid seems milder and is not considered a safety recall because the cars maintained full braking capability.
The software fix of Ford is to adjust the pedal feel.
arock says:
05:12 PM, 02/05/2010
"Ford Making Fix to 2010 Mustang Shelby GT500 Tire Information"
"Ford: Braking Glitch in 2010 Fusion and Milan Hybrids Will Be Remedied"
our track record is like this not only this but much more if we go back in history.
VERY POOR RELIABLILITY RECORD. ITS NO WONDER WHY WE LET OTHER FOREIGN COMPANIES
SURVIVE HERE AND LET GREAT (ONCE UPON A TIME) COMPANIES LIKE GM BLEED
charlesb says:
11:02 AM, 02/05/2010
They had prior knowledge? Then let's shoot the bastards!
atenza94546 says:
10:29 AM, 02/04/2010
ZZZZZZZZz
ghiafan says:
10:00 AM, 02/04/2010
never mind the list of growing problems from this company, the worst parts are the absolutely stupid statements these Toyota bozos are making.
They ramble on about not being aware of any issue, but then go on to say that they made a fix earlier, but did not tell owners that they made a fix.
I suppose they feel the need to make fixes for imaginary problems just because they wnat to.
Man it must be brutally confusing to be a Toyota customer.
At least Toyota is consistent in how they handle owner complaints.
1.Driver error, you must learn how to drive a Toyota, Toyota cars are like no others.
2.No problem can be found but we issued a fix anyway
3.Ok there is a problem but it probably won't occur or there is a very slim chance of it occuring.
jackson611 says:
09:20 AM, 02/04/2010
yea no biggie, it only happens in certain situations, such as ice and water, where having fully functioning breaks is important.