Toyota May Recall Prius Over Brake Issues
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a formal investigation into the Toyota Prius, and Toyota Motor Corporation may be adding its hybrid vehicle to a growing auto recall list. According to reports, the 2010 model Toyota Prius drivers have been experiencing a momentary loss of braking.
If Toyota recalls the Prius, this will be the third auto recall for Toyota since November.
Our San Diego auto accident lawyers have kept a close eye on the Toyota recalls ever since off-duty California Highway Patrolman Mark Saylor and three member of his family died in a fatal car accident when the accelerator on his rented Lexus became stuck. These types of auto accidents — caused by faulty brake systems and broken accelerators — often lead to large product liability lawsuits when all is said and done. The Toyota lawsuits have already begun to pile up over the gas pedal problems, so the last thing Toyota wants is another public relations disaster. This Prius braking problem could be just that.
While several complaints had already been filed about its gas pedal problems, Toyota’s accerlator issues became a news fixture after Officer Saylor’s fatal car accident in August. It took until November for Toyota to issue a recall for faulty floor mats — this Toyota originally believed to be the source of the gas pedal getting stuck — and it wasn’t until last month that Toyota issued a recall for the gas pedals. In total, about 7.7 million Toyota models have been recalled.
Now, the issue is the Prius and its brakes. The NHTSA is investigating 37,000 2010 Prius automobiles and whether or not their brakes will work while traveling over uneven road surfaces, potholes or bumps. The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has received 124 complaints of injuries from consumers blaming the faulty Prius braking system. Toyota has acknowledged a design flaw in its brakes and made changes to the braking system’s software last month.
Right now, a Prius recall is TBD.  According to the Detroit News, Toyota did not deny a Japanese newspaper report that claimed the automaker would recall an estimated 270,000 Prius hybrids. The report stated that Toyota had already made the decision to initiate a Prius recall in both the U.S. and Japan. As it stands today, there is no official word either way. The only thing that Toyota will go on record with right now is that it plans to fully cooperate with the NHTSA’s investigation.
As a consumer, you should take caution in light of Toyota’s safety problems, but our product liability lawyers are in no way saying that you shouldn’t buy a car from Toyota. All we’re saying is that smart buyers shop around a little bit before making a final decision. When a decision involves the safety of you and your family, you had better make a smart decision.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, then please call us now at 1-800-655-6585 or click here for a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney to find out how we may help you. There is no fee if no recovery.
YOUR TAKE
With all the negative PR that American automakers faced in the 90s and this past decade, Toyota gained the reputation for producing safer and more reliable cars. Does the gas pedal recall and a possible braking system recall negate those gains? Would you feel safe buying a new Toyota in 2010?
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