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.


Q8. Why are there over 400 complaints registered in the NHTSA data base for braking conditions on a second generation Prius? This seems to indicate the brake recall for the 2010 MY Prius also should apply to the 2004-2009 MY Prius.
A8. Because the ABS system and software is completely different between the second and third generation Prius, we need to evaluate complaints separately. We are willing and eager to evaluate concerns observed on second generation Prius that are similar to A0B on third generation Prius. Please help us identify and remedy any issue by contacting your local dealer. Please keep in mind that posts on PriusChat (a third-party forum) or other similar sites are NOT in any way an official registration of your concern, and cannot help us diagnose the issue.

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA