A problem beginning to plague many Prius owners is not the big Nickel Metal Hydride battery that drives the Prius' HSD system like people have been scared into believing for years. No, instead it's the 12V battery - the one that actually starts the car and runs all of the accessories - that is starting to die on many Prius owners.

The Prius has been a popular target of pop culture since its inception into the mainstream back in 2004. Probably the most (in)famous reference was in the South Park episode entitled "Smug Alert!". But the car has appeared as a character, prop, or backdrop in numerous other TV shows, movies, and music videos.

This morning Toyota announced details of their remedy for the "sudden acceleration" issues, or "gas pedal stuck under mat"-itis. Beginning in April of 2010, Toyota will offer to replace any 2004-2009 Prius' gas pedal. Starting in the beginning of 2010, dealers will be able to re-shape the existing gas pedal if you're interested in a half-way repair. Toyota will also provide any Prius owner who has a set of OEM all-weather floor mats with re-designed replacement mats.

The specific measures of the vehicle-based remedy are as follows:

PriusChat's own TheForce just finished up an astounding 2502 mile, 299 MPG tank of gas in his 2006 Hymotion PHEV Prius.  Here is the post from TheForce: