Toyota Motor Corp (TMC) on Tuesday said it would recall four models to update software controlling the antilock braking system (ABS). The models are the current generation Prius, Prius plug-in, Sai and Lexus HS250h sold in Japan. The recall, for which TMC submitted notifications today to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, covers about 223,000 vehicles.
Worldwide, Toyota has sold about 400,000 of the vehicles subject to the recall announced today in Japan and said it would take remedial measures as soon as possible in the United States, Europe and in other regions. Toyota GB on Tuesday announced a recall of 8,500 Prius and Toyota New Zealand said earlier it would voluntarily recall and fix 260 Prius. The US unit said it would conduct a voluntary recall to update software in 133,000 Prius and 14,550 Lexus HS 250h vehicles. Toyota Motor Europe said it would recall 52,903 units.
"Let me assure everyone that we will redouble our commitment to quality as the lifeline of our company. With myself taking the lead, all of us at Toyota will tackle the issue in close cooperation with our dealers and with our suppliers. Together, we will do everything in our power to regain the confidence of our customers," said TMC president Akio Toyoda.
Drivers of the four models subject to the recall can experience reduced braking performance resulting in increased braking distance when their vehicles switch to hydraulic braking-only to activate ABS (which is used to stabilise handling on slippery surfaces, such as snowy and icy roads) at slow speeds. Both a hydraulic braking system and a regenerative braking system work in unison in ordinary driving conditions.
Applying increased pressure to the brake pedal when ABS has taken effect will yield the intended braking performance. TMC has undertaken the recall, however, in the interest of ensuring customer confidence and peace of mind. Its corrective ABS software programming will resolve the problem. TMC will begin notifying owners through its dealers today, and dealers will begin conducting the corrective reprogramming, which is expected to take approximately 40 minutes per vehicle, on 10 February.
Sectors: Vehicle manufacturers, Vehicle markets
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