The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched an investigation into the Toyota Prius. Pennsylvania motorists who own and drive a 2010 Toyota Prius should be aware that there have been reports of the brakes failing on the vehicle.
There have been numerous reports to the NHSTA of brakes failing on Toyota Prius drivers when they encounter a hazardous road. The brakes are momentarily failing when they drive on slippery roads, hit a pot hole or drive on uneven road surfaces. Toyota has confirmed that there is a software glitch in the brake that is causing the vehicle to temporarily lose braking power but has not yet launched a formal recall. The investigation involves nearly 40,000 vehicles and is so far limited to the 2010 model. The problem is also being investigated in Japan by its government. The Prius was not named in the floor mat or the accelerator recall.
Toyota, its dealerships and its drivers are facing an especially trying time. Toyota was once renowned for its safety but these latest rounds of recalls and investigation has made many people questioning Toyota's reputation. The Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, issued a statement for Toyota drivers to immediately stop driving recalled vehicles and take them back to the dealership. LaHood has since retracted that statement and said that drivers should get their vehicle fixed as soon as possible.
Related Web Sources:
Feds probing Prius brakes
Toyota checking 2010 Prius brakes; mum on recall
Confusion and fear at Toyota dealerships
