Toyota recalls 75,000 Prius hybrid cars in U.S. - GreenHybrid

Jason · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2005, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it is recalling about 75,000 Prius hybrid cars as the gasoline engine may stall due to a software problem in the electric motor control system. The cars subject to the recall are from the 2004 and 2005 models.

Even if the gasoline engine of the Prius cars in question stalls, the electric motor in them will have enough power to allow drivers to steer to the side of the road, Toyota said.

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/051014/kyodo/d8d7ggk01.html

Jason · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 06:37 PM

Anyone know where I can get more information on this? Any idea if all Prius require the update or just some?

aha · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 07:09 PM

"Even if the gasoline engine of the Prius cars in question stalls, the electric motor in them will have enough power to allow drivers to steer to the side of the road, Toyota said."

That's not always the case, during my test drive the car stalled 3 times within a few minutes and the salesman had to push the car. We're finally picked up by dealer's courtesy car.

bar10dah · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aha

That's not always the case, during my test drive the car stalled 3 times within a few minutes and the salesman had to push the car.

Well, it does says "steer to the side of the road." So, after the car stalled, did the power steering still work?

Delta Flyer · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 07:21 PM

It's interesting you mention that the Prius stalls on a test drive.

I've never driven a Prius (would like too...), but I'm wondering if this problem is more likely to happen with novice Prius drivers?

bar10dah · #6 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 07:39 PM

It didn't stall, it was in autostop!

aha · #7 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 08:25 PM

Power was completely dead, no power steering. The first 2 times, battery still had some power but after the 3rd time it's completely dead. When I tried to start the engine it did not even have a click and no light indicator was on. Btw, this was in early 2005 during quite busy traffic on 101 - Cali major highway. Salesman was screaming - he thought I did not press the throttle gas hard enough

, it's so scary I thought we would get rear ended...

Schwa · #8 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason

Anyone know where I can get more information on this? Any idea if all Prius require the update or just some?

What I read in a few places is that it's 2004 and early 2005 models, now the recall is extended world-wide to 160,000 cars. They are sending 'first class' letters later this month to the owners of affected vehicles.

http://pressroom.toyota.com/Releases...T2005101389230

ken1784 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-15-2005, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schwa

What I read in a few places is that it's 2004 and early 2005 models, now the recall is extended world-wide to 160,000 cars.

Media and consumers should use the term "RECALL" very carefully.

It is not a recall.
It is a Special Service Campaign.

Ken@Japan

jdenenberg · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2005, 07:59 AM

I took my 2004 Prius to the dealer for a front bumper refurb (great deal, $259) on Tuesday and asked them to also do the recall. They called back this morning (Thursday) to say it is done. So in CT (Stevens Auto Mall, Bristol) the recall (new SW and greased connector) is available with no hassle.