Personal Injury Law

Prius brake problems causes Toyota's latest dilemma

By LaBovick Law

As Toyota continues to deal with the recall and repair of millions of vehicles worldwide, the world's largest automaker has another serious issue to deal with: Prius brake problems. Recently Toyota announced a link between driver complaints of braking problems – in two countries –and a software glitch. This announcement came without mention of a recall, and according to Toyota, the problem affects vehicles manufactured before January 2010.

Drivers of the popular gasoline-electric hybrid – a vehicle not currently involved in any recall – face the possibility of up to a one-second lag in braking time. CNN reported that 'Toyota officials describe the problem as a ‘disconnect' in the vehicle's complex anti-lock brake system (ABS) that causes less than a one-second lag [in braking]. With the delay, a vehicle going 60 mph will have travelled nearly another 90 feet before the brakes begin to take hold.'

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed more than 100 Prius driver complaints in connection with the braking problem.  The Washington Post reported that 77 Prius driver complaints were filed to Japanese government officials involving the Hybrid's braking problems, not including the 14 additional complaints logged since July 2009.

Although it is unclear whether any relation exists between this accident and the newest 77 complaints, the fact remains that Toyota's reputation of safety and engineering excellence has taken a considerable hit in the recent weeks.  Toyota can only hope for a silver lining to come soon.

Full post as published by LaBovick Injury Law Blog on February 04, 2010 (boomark / email).