Faulty Brakes on Prius Models create Another Quality Problem for Prius

The New York Times reports that Toyota’s problems with quality and reliability have taken another blow after the Japanese government told the world’s largest automaker to launch an investigation on the brakes of their popular Prius models. The company is still reeling from the biggest recall in its history regarding well-publicized accelerator problems that can cause gas pedals on many Toyota models to stick and accelerate out of control. This new development with brakes on the Toyota Prius represents another possible black mark on Toyota’s safety record.

The Japanese government raised concerns about the brakes on Prius models after suspicions of faulty brakes arose as the cause of a collision last July. The accident occurred only a few months after Toyota’s third-generation Prius models went on sale, according to Japan’s Transport Ministry. Faulty Prius brakes are now linked to another thirteen auto accidents since May 2009 when these Prius models went on sale. The company has not yet decided whether to issue a recall of these Prius models.

The Toyota Prius is one of the world’s most popular models of gas-electric hybrid cars and one of the company’s best-selling models. Now the Japanese government ordered the company to determine if momentary brake failure was a design defect in newer Prius models, resulting in at least fourteen auto accidents in the country. Prius drivers have complained that the brakes on the newest models stop working shortly at low travel speeds and seem to fail mostly while traveling on slick surfaces. The company faces similar problems in the U.S., where the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received more than 136 complaints about faulty brakes on 2010 Toyota Prius models.

The majority of these complaints come from drivers who say that their Prius surged forward unexpectedly or they lost their ability to brake after driving over uneven surfaces or hitting potholes for a short period. Some say that these situations occurred several times and were not isolated incidents.

Manufacturers of any product have an obligation to ensure that their products are safe to use. If you or someone you care for has been injured or killed in an accident caused by faulty brakes in a 2010 model of the Toyota Prius, Florida Toyota Prius brake recall attorney James O. Cunningham may be able to help. Orlando product recall lawyer James O. Cunningham has been helping victims of people injured in the use of defective products and their families seek recovery for damages since 1977. If you have any questions, call Orlando Toyota Prius brake recall attorney James O. Cunningham today to schedule a free consultation.