Toyota has announced a recall in the United States of about 87,000 Prius and Lexus HS 250h hybrids from the 2010 model year to fix a brake problem, the second time since 2010 the cars have been recalled to fix the braking. According to the automaker’s release, dealers will replace brake boosters, which can develop leaks.
The problem could cause longer stopping distances, Cindy Knight, a spokeswoman, wrote in an e-mail, adding that Toyota was not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the problem. The automaker recalled almost 149,000 vehicles in early 2010 to change software that controlled antilock braking. In that case, Toyota told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that while the cars’ brakes were “operating as designed, customers are perceiving inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of the brakes on rough or slick road surfaces.” Consequently, Toyota said, “stopping distances may be increased compared with the customers’ expectation for a given pedal force.”
The recall came just days after the safety agency announced an investigation resulting from consumer complaints. There are at least 100 complaints on the agency’s Web site from owners of 2010 models who say they are still having braking problems on rough surfaces. Many were filed in the last two years and include owners who said their vehicles had the recall repair but were still having the same problem.
The action is part of a worldwide recall of about 242,000 vehicles, Ms. Knight wrote.
Update: Fri., June 7, 2013
After first learning of a brake problem on the 2010 Prius, it took Toyota three years to investigate the issue and decide that a recall was necessary, according to a report the automaker filed with N.H.T.S.A.
In the report posted Friday on the safety agency’s Web site the automaker detailed how it spent those years collecting leaking brake booster assemblies and investigating, which included conducting durability testing.
The decision to issue a recall was made on May 31. The defect could cause longer stopping distances, according to Toyota. A Toyota spokeswoman wasn’t immediately available for further comment.