New Trouble For Toyota: Prius Brake Problems

Authorities in the US and Japan have received several tens of complaints about the brakes of the Toyota Prius, which does not respond to commands. The Government officials began an investigation.

The recall problems that Toyota had lately seem to last forever. Although they just went through a shock and had to recall to services  worldwide over eight million cars because of faulty gas pedals that get stuck down, the Japanese officials are now forced to confront with a new wave of complaints from customers. This time the issue seems to be the Prius’ brake pedal, the world’s best-selling hybrid.

According to Toyota spokesman, Mieko Iwasaki, complaints about Prius’ brakes came from some dealers in the U.S. and Japan. “As of the end of last year, we had dozens of complaints from dealers in Japan and North America. What the report suggests is that sometimes the braking system in the Prius can stop working on bumpy and slippery roads. We are currently investigating this problem,” said the Japanese official.

This is the faulty Prius pedal...

The information was confirmed by the Ministry of Transport of Japan, which received 13 such complaints from customers from December to January. The first complaint of this type was made  in July 2009, when a Japanese blamed Prius’ brakes for an accident from which two people were slightly injured. “Many complaints were submitted in a short period of time. We are investigating the cases to determine what measures the ministry should take,” said a ministry official.

NHTSA, the organization in charge of safety on roads has also received about 100 complaints on the same theme. “Hybrid cars are almost the only cars selling well now in Japan and the US. If (the Prius) has a serious problem, that will have a strong impact on Toyota’s performance,” said an analyst at Mizuno Credit Advisory.

TOYOTA RECALL CALENDAR

November 25, 2009 – Toyota announces that they recall in the US services over 4 million cars because of the faulty floor mats that push the throttle.

November 27, 2009 – Toyota’s managers bonuses are cut by 20% due to the largest recall in the Japanese history.

December 27,2009 – China announces that Toyota recall 43,000 cars in service due to oil leakage.

January 22, 2010 – The US recall extends to further 2.3 million cars. This time, the problems are found at the gas pedal, which may remain pressed after the driver takes his foot of it.

January 24, 2010 – The Japanese press announce the recall in US could expand in Europe. It speaks of two million affected cars.

January 27, 2010 – Toyota take an unprecedented decision at this level: stop selling models with problems in the US. Eight cars are out of the showrooms. Toyota’s US plants production is stopped for three weeks.

January 28, 2010 – The recall with mats related problems is extended to another 1.1 million units in the US. GM announces that each Toyota owner that buys one of American group’s car gets a discount of $1,000.

January 28, 2010 – Toyota officially announced that the recall will expand in Europe. Not knowing the number of units affected.

January 28, 2010 – Recall for gas pedal problems extends into China. 75,000 customers of the brand will be called to service in the Asiatic country. In sight: the RAV4 model.

January 29, 2010 – Toyota officially announces the number of cars affected by Europe’s Recall: 1.8 million. The models included in the recall are: Auris, Aygo, Avensis, Avensis, iQ, RAV4, and Yaris Verso.

February 1, 2010 – PSA Peugeot-Citroen Group say that they recall into service 97,000 copies of C1 and 107, the models being affected by the recall involving Toyota Aygo. The three models are produced on the same platform.

February 1,2010 – Toyota USA announce that it has developed a solution to the problem related to the accelerator pedal. US dealers will begin to solve problems this week.

February 2, 2010 – The gas pedal recall extends in Middle East, Latin America and Africa. About 180,000 cars sold in these markets between 2005 and 2010 are involved.

February 3, 2010 – Toyota officials and Japan and U.S. Governments announce that they are investigating a potential problem of the brake pedal of the Prius hybrid.