Toyota said it is recalling about 437,000 Prius and Lexus hybrid cars worldwide to fix brake problems. Company President Akio Toyoda made the recall announcement Tuesday afternoon at a press conference in Tokyo. The recall applies to all Prius models built before Jan. 27, 2010.
“The recall is being taken in response to reports of inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady braking on bumpy or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock braking system [ABS] is actuated," Toyota said in a statement.
“This recall will consist of a software upgrade in the anti-lock braking system. The procedure will be carried out free of charge and will take approximately 40 minutes using standard test equipment in use at all authorized Toyota service centers.”
The Prius recall adds to the nine million vehicles recalled worldwide in recent months by the automaker to address reports of unintended acceleration, which Toyota has blamed on gas pedals that can become stuck and on floor mats that can jam the throttle pedal.