Things are moving fast in the land of Toyota safety issues and recalls. Yesterday, we told you that the 2010 Toyota Prius was being investigated for braking problems in Japan.
Today, Toyota has admitted that most 2010 Prius models (those built between the start of production last spring and late January) have a glitch in the software that controls the anti-lock braking system. That control system was completely redesigned for 2010.
2010 Toyota Prius
2010 Toyota Prius
2010 Toyota Prius
Pre-Production 2010 Toyota Prius in Orlando
2010 Toyota Prius
Only the 2010 Prius, no earlier models
The problem does not occur in either first-generation (2000-2003) or second-generation (2004-2009) Prius models, which have an older control system. No braking problems with those models have come to light.
More than 100 complaints of unusual Prius pedal behavior have been received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S., as well as 14 in Japan.
Drivers have cited loss of braking ability or slipping brakes, often on bumpy or icy roads, and usually during winter months.
Combination of anti-lock, regen, and regular brakes
The problem occurs when the 2010 Prius anti-lock brake system kicks in just when the car's regenerative braking system, which sends power to the battery pack, switches over to standard friction brakes.
Toyota's manager in charge of quality, Hiroyuki Yokoyama, says the problem has been identified, and that Toyota has created fix, which would presumably be a software patch.
That fix has been implemented in cars built over the last few weeks, but, he said, Toyota is still deciding what to do about 2010 Prius models that are already on the road.
If you have problems, press harder!
If you are driving a 2010 Toyota Prius and its brakes behave unusually--especially if the road is bumpy or slippery--Yokoyama gave this simple advice: Press much harder on the brakes.
You needn't worry that the car will skid; the anti-lock system prevents that. Be especially aware of cold-weather road conditions, or rough surfaces, as that's where the problem most often seems to occur and recur.
Not sudden acceleration
This latest Toyota safety concern involving the anti-lock brake system on the 2010 Toyota Prius is a new, and completely different, issue than the two highly publicized recalls of various Toyota and Lexus models to address potentially sticking accelerator pedals.
Attempting to address that problem--and regulators are still not convinced that it is completely understood--Toyota is now recalling cars on five separate continents, a total of more than 8 million vehicles sold by Toyota, Lexus, and Pontiac.
You can find full details on these two Toyota recalls in North America--as well as what to do if your accelerator sticks--in our comprehensive and frequently updated summary: Toyota And Lexus Recall: Everything You Need To Know.
