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Number of Complaints Growing on 3rd Generation Prius Brake Performance

 
2,188 views Dec 31, 2009

Angular Front Exterior View - 2010 Toyota Prius 5dr HB II (Natl)

Angular Front Exterior View - 2010 Toyota Prius 5dr HB II (Natl)

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Investigations into Toyota products have forced the automaker to recall nearly 4.8 million vehicles in the U.S. this past year alone, a number that is more than four times higher than in any other year on record.  The last thing Toyota wants is yet another recall.

Though this issue has not reached recall status, the numerous complaints lodged against the automaker are growing and the government has taken notice.  The newest issue to crop up regards the braking performance of the 3rd Generation Toyota Prius.

Here's a rundown of the problem.  As the driver applies brake pressure, the regenerative brakes kick in and slow the car.  When the vehicle hits a bump or pothole the regenerative brakes switch to friction braking.  The friction braking slows the vehicle at a lower rate than the regenerative brakes which in turn makes the driver feels as though they are monetarily accelerating.  The driver must then apply the brakes more firmly to return to the expected level of deceleration.

The reports have been coming in for some time now and the NHTSA has been contacted by Prius owners.  Their main complaint centers around pedestrian safety.  According to Prius owners filing complaints, the unexpected decrease in braking on rough roads causes them to overshoot expected stopping areas.  This could result in hitting pedestrians in walkways or perhaps others cars stopped at lights.

Certainly Toyota does not want another recall.  Is this problem widespread?  It seems to affect many owners, but some have simply said that it's something that takes some getting used to.  Yet others are demanding that Toyota take their Priuses back.

For reference to an internal NHTSA memo on this issue, follow the link below.

Source:  Detroit Bureau





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Comments (7)

  1. By Noel Park Posted: 12/31/2009 10:45am PST

    Nobody's perfect, LOL.
    Many thanks Eric for the FANTASTIC job you have done in 2009. Prospero Ano Nuevo to all of you allcarselectic.com bloggers. Hopefully, we will get to see some more actual hardware in 2010.
    LJGTVWOTR!!
     
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  2. By pat Posted: 1/1/2010 8:48am PST

    wonder why folks are ignoring Honda insight ...herd mentality I guess ..cheaper & good quality ..
     
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  3. By Allannde Posted: 1/3/2010 10:36am PST

    Every car has unique features which require getting used to. How they shift (if they shift), where the brake pedal is located, how the steering feels, etc. These and the changing road conditions require the driver to stay alert and to be ready to adjust the driving as necessary.
    Sometimes the unexpected is a kid who runs into the street.
    A driver who is unable to compensate for the unexpected is not a safe driver.
    I am a Prius owner and am familiar with the "problem" which is the subject of the article. It takes about 30 seconds to adjust.
     
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  4. By Chris Posted: 2/3/2010 6:45am PST

    Brakes should not have to be soft one second, then stiff the next. The driver should not have to compensate for this. The brakes should be consistent all the time. Yes you may be able to easily adjust in the suburbs or rural areas, but what about downtown traffic when you are within inches of hitting people. The average person is not that capable of "adjusting" and having common sense like some of us. This is a computer glitch that needs to be fixed or else someone is going to get killed. I dont even think this would be a big problem to fix in the computer. Just download new software. I think Toyota is just worrying about tarnishing their image even more...and more importantly for them, their stock.
     
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  5. By Chris Posted: 2/3/2010 6:47am PST

    Brakes should not have to be soft one second, then stiff the next. The driver should not have to compensate for this. The brakes should be consistent all the time. Yes you may be able to easily adjust in the suburbs or rural areas, but what about downtown traffic when you are within inches of hitting people. The average person is not that capable of "adjusting" and having common sense like some of us. This is a computer glitch that needs to be fixed or else someone is going to get killed. I dont even think this would be a big problem to fix in the computer. Just download new software. I think Toyota is just worrying about tarnishing their image even more...and more importantly for them, their stock.
     
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  6. By Chris Posted: 2/3/2010 6:50am PST

    All you 2010 Prius owners who are too hot headed to accept the fact that your "amazing" Prius has something wrong with it need to face reality and let Toyota know. Do it before someone gets hurt.
     
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  7. By encinitas Posted: 2/4/2010 6:30pm PST

    I have a 2010 Prius and notice this effect routinely... slowing down to about 3 mph before a stop, the car feels like it surges forward when it hits a pothole. I'm used to it now, but its kind of scarry...
     
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