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Toyota Expanding Prius Recall

311,000 vehicles suffer from 'regenerative' braking issue

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 8, 2010 1:21 AM CST

(Newser) – Toyota will extend its Prius recall to all 310,000 of its 2010 models sold worldwide to address a brake flaw. Scores of motorists have complained that their Priuses won't stop on uneven surfaces. The automaker is investigating whether it also needs to extend the recall to the Lexus HS250h and a Japanese model called the Sai.

The braking issue is due to a malfunction in the system known as regenerative braking, which utilizes energy produced while braking to recharge the battery, the New York Times reports. The 2010 Prius uses regenerative braking in conjunction with conventional brake pads and an anti-lock brake system. The braking problem occurs when the car switches over from regenerative to conventional braking at the same moment that the anti-lock brake system engages, according to Toyota officials.

Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda reacts during a news conference at a Toyota office in Nagoya, central Japan, last week. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)

Toyota Motor Corp.'s 2010 Prius is displayed at the Toyota museum in Toyota, central Japan. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 6 comments

forkbender17

Feb 8, 2010 10:18 AM CST

President Toyoda has that special look on his face. Time to reach for the Seppuku short sword. For maximum impact best done at the next press conference.

danusunt

Feb 8, 2010 7:50 AM CST

You know, I'm really bummed about this. American cars get recalled and it seems par for the course. But for the Japanese, this has to shake the company to the bone. And did I hear some of the cars are American built? This isn't good for anybody. I'll have to look up what Stewart did.

kokuaguy

Feb 8, 2010 7:43 AM CST

LOL, Danny. I hope you saw Jon Stewart's bit on the Toyota recall -- it was classic, and finally gave the folks in Detroit something to smile about.

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Toyota Expanding Prius Recall

311,000 vehicles suffer from 'regenerative' braking issue

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Toyota Expanding Prius Recall

311,000 vehicles suffer from 'regenerative' braking issue

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Toyota Recalls 106K First-Generation Priuses

If 'operated over a long time' power steering will become too forceful

Toyota Slapped With Max Fine Over Recalls

Company to pay $32.4M in addition to $16.4M already paid

Toyota Recalls Problem Lexus SUV

'Consumer Reports' warned of porential problems with 2010 GX460

Police Help Stop 90mph Runaway Prius

Toyota is sending an investigator

Woman's 6-Mile Terror Ride to Open Toyota Hearings

Pressure mounts on Toyota as House investigation kicks off

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