Toyota Motor Corp. will launch a worldwide recall of its Prius hybrid-powered hatchback to fix a braking system software problem that can cause a brief lapse in braking power, according to several media reports. They say Toyota will announce its plan this week.
The reports say the recall could cover 60 countries, including a combined 270,000 Prius cars in the U.S. and Japan. Some say the recall also will include about 28,000 Toyota Sai and Lexus HS250h hybrid models, both of which were introduced last year and use the same braking system.
The new recall would be in addition to more than 8 million Toyota models involved in two other campaigns to fix defective floor mats and accelerator pedal systems that can prevent or delay the pedal’s return to the idle position.
Separately, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said on Friday that he will head a new quality team that will look for ways to improve the quality of all major company operations. He also said the company would work with outside experts to launch new quality procedures.