Nothing official out of Toyota yet except for a very minimal statement, but the Nikkei news service in Japan is reporting that Toyota will recall 270,000 3rd generation Prius hybrids that have been sold since the May launch of the 2010 model.
As we've reported a couple of times on PriusChat, Toyota performed a software update to the Prius brake computer system and it has been in effect for Prius models rolling off the line since January. But Prius hybrids sold between May and December do not have the updated brake ECU software, yet. This recall is to update the rest of the 3rd generation 2010 Priuses with the new software.
This type of software update is usually handled via a SSC, or Special Service Campaign, but given all of the attention that Toyota has been receiving from the NHTSA it's not entirely surprising that this issue has been pushed to the top of the pile so fast.
Details coming.
#Update#
Updated Statement From Toyota Regarding Prius Brake Issue
TORRANCE, Calif., February 4, 2010 – Toyota is aware that NHTSA has opened a Preliminary Evaluation centered on owner complaints of a braking issue with the 2010 model year Prius. Toyota will cooperate fully with NHTSA’s investigation.Some customers have complained of inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction. The system, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. A running production change was introduced last month, improving the ABS system’s response time, as well as the system’s overall sensitivity to tire slippage.This preliminary evaluation addresses owner complaints specific to the 2010 Prius. This condition is not related to either the floor mat entrapment recall or the sticky pedal recall currently in action.Toyota will continue to evaluate the condition as it relates to owner complaints and will keep NHTSA informed of its progress.
#5:30pm Update#
Still no official word from the NHTSA or Toyota about an impending recall. With the amount of grandstanding the NHTSA has done lately, I'd be surprised if they are not the first ones to announce it. Right now the only source saying there is a recall is the Nikkei out of Japan.
#7:00pm Update#
An anonymous source within Toyota has told PriusChat that "A fix for the 2010 Prius brake issue is on the way." It is unknown if the fix will be in the form of a full-fledged recall or a SSC. It sounds like this issue will be cleared up pretty quickly.
