Toyota Recalls Prius, Plug-in Prius, Sai and HS250h in Japan Over Braking Issues

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced a recall related to the software program that controls the antilock braking system (ABS) in current-model Prius, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Sai and HS250h sold in Japan. (Earlier post.) The recall, for which TMC submitted notifications on Tuesday to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, pertains to approximately 223,000 vehicles.

Worldwide, Toyota has sold about 400,000 of the hybrid vehicles subject to the recall announced in Japan. The company says it will take “remedial measures” as soon as possible in the United States, Europe and in other regions.

Models Recalled in Japan

ModelTypeProduction period of recalled vehiclesUnits

Prius
DAA-ZVW30
20 April 2009 - 27 January 2010
200,000

Prius PHV
DLA-ZVW35
25 November 2009 - 5 February 2010
150

Sai
DAA-AZK10
2 October 2009 - 8 February 2010
11,000

HS250h
DAA-ANF10
10 June 2009 - 8 February 2010
12,000

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 stabilize handling on slippery surfaces, such as snowy and icy roads) at slow speeds, according to the company. 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. Toyota said it is undertaking the recall in the interest of ensuring customer confidence and peace of mind, and says that 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.

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.

—TMC President Akio Toyoda