Toyota’s popular Prius hybrid electric vehicle reportedly is being investigated by the US government because of engine-stalling complaints, WardsAuto.com said.
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The report said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into 33 complaints from owners about their engines stalling suddenly, mostly at speeds of 35 mph to 65 mph (56 km/h to 105 km/h).
About half of the owners reportedly say their vehicle would not restart and had to be towed – 75,000 ’04-’05 model Priuses could be affected by the investigation.
Citing Associated Press reports, WardsAuto.com said some owners say their Prius operated in electric mode for a period of time following the petrol engine shutting down.
WardsAuto.com noted that, last month, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. COO Jim Press said the company was “checking ourselves internally” regarding initial complaints about the Prius stalling, but believed some drivers may think their vehicle stalled because the petrol motor turned off as it is designed to do.
