This is a list of FAQs provided by Toyota regarding the 2010 Prius voluntary recall. This FAQ will be updated as we receive more information.
2/10 11:50pm - Updated Q&A from Toyota for the PriusChat community can be found at the bottom of the page. Originally posted here.
FAQs About the 2010 Prius/2010 Lexus HS 250h/Camry Voluntary Recalls
1. What is the problem with the 2010 Prius?
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) in the 2010 model-year Prius, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. Some owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of the brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction.
2. How is Toyota responding to this Prius issue?
Toyota has responded to owner concerns with a running production change for the 2010 Prius that was introduced last month, improving the ABS system’s response time, as well as the system’s overall sensitivity to tire slippage.
The recall will allow Toyota dealers to perform this software update in the anti-lock brake systems of 2010 Prius vehicles sold prior to this production change.
3. Why does this only impact 2010 Prius models?
First- and second-generation Prius vehicles use a different ABS system and are not involved in this campaign.
4. What is the problem with the Lexus HS 250h?
The anti-lock brake system on the Lexus HS 250h shares similar component design to the 2010 Prius, so it has been included on this recall.
5. How is Toyota responding to this Lexus issue?
The software adjustment planned for the Lexus HS 250h production and dealer modification is being finalized and will be announced very soon.
6. How many vehicles are impacted?
This recall involves approximately 133,000 2010 model year Prius vehicles and 14,550 Lexus Division 2010 HS 250h vehicles.
7. What should 2010 Prius and Lexus HS 250h customers do if they experience this braking issue?
If a Prius or Lexus HS 250h owner were to experience this condition, pressing hard on the brake pedal will stop the vehicle safely.
8. Are these vehicles safe to drive until they get their update?
The vehicles are safe to drive because pressing hard on the brake pedal will stop the vehicle.
9. When can I get my vehicle fixed?
Toyota will begin sending letters to Prius owners included in this recall by mail next week and Lexus HS 250h owners within the next few weeks to let them know when to bring their vehicles into a dealership. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall.
10. How long will it take for a dealer to repair my vehicle?
The software update should only take approximately 30 minutes to install, depending on technician workflow.
11. Is the repair covered by warranty? Will drivers have to pay any money out of pocket for this work?
Toyota will cover all repair costs associated with this work.
12. Is this recall related to the ongoing Toyota recalls associated with sudden unintended acceleration?
No, this recall is unrelated to the ongoing recall of Toyota vehicles for sticking gas pedals and floor mat entrapment issues.
13. What is the problem with the Camry?
On certain early production 2010 model year Camry vehicles equipped with the 4-cylinder engine, a power steering pressure hose in the engine compartment may be the incorrect length. If this condition exists, a crimp on the power steering pressure hose may come in contact with the No. 7 front brake tube.
Should this condition continue, a hole may wear in the brake tube and deplete the brake fluid in the vehicle. As a result, the brake pedal
stroke will increase and lead to greater vehicle stopping distance.
14. Which and how many vehicles are involved?
Approximately 7,300 Camry vehicles in the U.S. are involved.
15. Are there any warnings that this condition exists?
No, there are no specific warnings that this condition exists.
16. What is Toyota going to do?
Any Toyota dealer will inspect and, if necessary, adjust the space between the brake tube and the power steering pressure hose crimp. Based upon the inspection results, the dealership may need to replace the brake tube.
The inspection/adjustment and, if necessary, the brake tube replacement, will be performed at no charge to the vehicle owner.
17. When will Camry owners be notified?
Toyota will notify owners by mail starting in mid-February 2010.
18. Where can I get more information on this recall?
Information for Toyota customers can be found at
www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Updated Q&A provided by Toyota's Prius Team for the PriusChat community:
As promised, we have a little more information for you. PC asked, we listened. Now here’s a few more answers. We hope there’s more to come.
Q1. Does the update change the way the ABS works?
A1. We are shortening the braking force timing and the lowering the pedal pressure. These changes will make the Prius ABS equivalent to non-hybrid vehicles.
Q2. Will the software update affect full emergency braking?
A2. The stopping distance will be slightly shorter
Q3. Is there a fuel-economy impact or effectiveness change for regenerative braking that comes with the update?
A3. As this remedy involves the ABS braking force timing and pedal pressure, there is no impact to the regenerative braking system or fuel economy.
Q4. How will the solution be rolled out across the country? When can customers begin contacting their dealers for the software update?
A4. The software was made available via our web based Toyota Information System application early on 2/9. As of close of business on 2/9, dealers had remedied approximately 25,000 customer owned and in-stock vehicles.
Q5. Is the update to the production line the exact same one that the current owners will receive? Why did you implement the update in the factory and ignore the NHTSA and Toyota Customer Care customer complaints about already sold vehicles until now?
A5. The update is the same, the software is slightly different. Reprogramming “remedy” software requires more code than programming “production” software. This also explains the slight delay between production and recall remedy timing.
Q6. Can Toyota provide in-depth technical details on the software update?
A6. The precise technical details are not available. The result of the software change is to shorten the ABS braking force delay and to lower the pedal pressure required to stop. The result is shorter stopping distance and a more positive braking feel.
Q7. Can you tell us the number of complaints, accidents, or incidents in the US?
A7. NHTSA has recorded over 125 complaints.
Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA
