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NEW YORK—Japanese automobile giant Toyota Motor Corp. just can’t seem to catch a break. On Tuesday, Toyota issued a new recall of 437,000 vehicles worldwide due to braking system issues—which brings its recent recall total to around 8 million vehicles.
The latest recall involves mostly Prius hybrid vehicles, and Lexus HS 250h models produced after May 2009, as well as some early-production 2010 model-year Toyota Camry cars in the United States.
Sales of the Prius hybrid have also been temporarily halted. The Prius recall involves updating the software of the model’s anti-lock braking system to prevent “inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the ABS is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction,” according to the company.
For 2010 Camrys, approximately 7,300 vehicles were recalled to inspect the power steering hose that may cause brake fluid leak in some vehicles.
“We’re committed to doing everything we can—as fast as we can—to restore consumer trust in Toyota, and these recalls are part of this effort,” said Jim Lentz, President of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
“Our company is undertaking a top to bottom review to ensure that our vehicles meet our own high standards of safety and reliability, now and for the future,” he said.
Key Models Affected
The latest recalls affect two of Toyota’s best-selling vehicles. The Prius was the best-selling car in Japan last year for Toyota, and the Camry is Toyota’s most popular car in the United States.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a Preliminary Evaluation into owner complaints about brake problems with the 2010 Prius. Toyota announced it will cooperate fully with NHTSA’s investigation, on its Web site, Toyota.com .
