Toyota Recalls 2010 Prius and other Hybrid Vehicles Worldwide to Fix Brake Problems

ABC.com News reports:

Toyota says it is recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems — the latest in a string of embarrassing safety lapses at the world's largest automaker.

"I don't see Toyota as an infallible company that never makes mistakes," President Akio Toyoda said at a press conference Tuesday in Tokyo. "We will face up to the facts and correct the problem, putting customers' safety and convenience first."

With the Prius announcement, the number of vehicles recalled globally by Toyota Motor Corp. has ballooned to 8.5 million, including for floor mats which can trap gas pedals and faulty gas pedals that are slow to return to the idle position. The 2010 Prius wasn't part of the earlier recalls.

There have been about 200 complaints in Japan and the U.S. about a delay when the brakes in the Prius were pressed in cold conditions and on some bumpy roads. The delay doesn't indicate a brake failure. The company says the problem can be fixed in 40 minutes with new software that oversees the controls of the antilock brakes.

This recall adds to the list the number of vehicles that Toyota has recently recalled previously for defects in the gas pedal and/or floor mat design or installation. Consumers are directed to immediately contact their local Toyota dealer for an inspection and repair.

Obviously, the proper function of the braking system of a vehicle is an inherent safety issue and should be given a high priority of action by the consumer in order to avoid the risk of injury or death resulting from a possible crash.

In the Boise area, the local Toyota dealership is located at the following:

PETERSON AUTOPLEX
9101 West Fairview Avenue
Boise, ID 83704-8221
Telephone: 208.378.9000
Website: http://www.petersentoyota.net

In the Nampa area, the local Toyota dealership is located at the following:

TOM SCOTT TOYOTA
15933 Idaho Center Blvd.
Nampa ID 83687-5008
Telephone: 208.455.2272
Website: http://www.tomscottmotors.com/

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