Toyota, a longtime trustworthy name in car manufacturing, is fighting to keep their image in the midst of multiple recalls on their vehicles. Today, brake problems on the 2010 Prius and Lexus HS 250h caused another recall, much to the dismay of already backed up Toyota service centers.
Why Did Toyota Recall the 2010 Prius and Lexus HS 250h?
Owners of these vehicles have reported inconsistent braking when trying to stop on uneven or slick surfaces, and the ABS is engaging. Toyota has maintained that this was not a safety problem, but did adjust the software to fix the problem in the Prius models being produced last month and the Lexus models are set to change production later this month, according to the Toyota website.
In an effort to keep customers safe, as well as happy, Toyota has recalled the models already on the road to update their software as well.
Hybrids Use a Regenerative Braking System
Hybrid vehicles brake differently than gas-only powered cars, and this may have led to the initial confusion on the braking problem. A regenerative braking system can feel different than what many people are used to, and some thought that consumers in these vehicles simply needed to get used to the brakes.
According to a hybridcars.com on February 5th, one Prius driver said that “The sensation you have is like your accelerating, but in actuality you're just coasting. If you were just to push a little further into your brake pedal, the brakes—the regular brakes—are there. They'll come on and they'll stop the car."
In Japan, where hybrid cars are much more prevalent than in the U.S., there have been minimal complaints about the brakes, again suggesting that U.S. drivers need to just get acclimated to the new braking system. Whether the problem is perception or safety, Toyota has agreed to fix the problem.
A New Recall on the 2010 Toyota Camry
In addition to the recalls on the gas pedal sticking, Toyota also issued a recall on some Camry's to have a power steering hose inspected. Some are placed too close to a brake tube, which may cause a loss of brake fluid, and in turn, braking problems. Toyota will send out letters for this recall in mid-February.
How to Know if You're Car Has Been Recalled
Due to the multiple recalls, if you own any Toyota, or the Lexus HS 250h, you should call Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 to confirm whether you have an affected model. While these massive recalls will take time to fix, Toyota is extending service hours, and with the new recall many are literally working 24 hours a day to fix these problems in a reasonable time.
Sources:
Toyota Website, February 9, 2010
Hybrid Cars Website, Sorting Out Hybrid Brake Issue: Safety Issue or a Different Feel?, February 5, 2010
Laura Wilson - Relatively new to the writing community, Laura Wilson is spending time writing about children, parenting, health, and education. She ...
Join the Conversation