Toyota planning Prius recall, reports claim
The Toyota Prius
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Sunday, 07, Feb 2010 05:49
By Sarah Garrod.
Reports from Japan suggest car manufacturer Toyota could recall its Prius model in the US and Japan after concerns about the model's breaks.
Toyota are yet to confirm the reports about its flagship model, which follows a huge recall of Toyota cars in the US, Europe and Japan because of problems with their accelerator.
Early reports suggest the Prius issue could be due to the model's software, with media in Japan reporting that dealers have been told prepare themselves for the recall of 170,000 vehicles. Some drivers are believed to have complained of a delay before the break goes into action.
The Prius is the world's biggest selling gas-electric hybrid car.
The US Transportation Department has already announced it is investigating braking problems in the 2010 Toyota Prius model after Toyota admitted there could be break problems with it.
In a statement last week the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it was looking into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump. The agency received 124 reports from consumers, including four alleging that crashes occurred.
"Safety is our top priority," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
"That is why in recent weeks NHTSA has also issued a consumer advisory on the recall of several models of Toyota vehicles and the Pontiac Vibe involving pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. We will continue to monitor these issues closely."