First of all, let us tell you that the above picture isn't a Carscoop chop, but an official advert for the Lexus HS 250h that's shown here in the U.S. and is supposed to highlight the use of sustainable materials on the car. And now that we've got that out of the way, let's concentrate on Toyota's latest recall.
Following the NHTSA's investigation on owner complaints of momentary loss of braking on the third-generation Prius, Toyota decided to issue a voluntary safety recall on approximately 400,000 vehicles worldwide to update software in the anti-lock brake system (ABS).
Aside from the 2010 Prius, the recall also affects the 2010 Lexus HS 250h and its JDM only sibling, the new Toyota Sai hybrid sedan, as all three models use the same components for the ABS system.
Toyota said that the recall is being taken in response to reports of inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady braking on bumpy or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is actuated.
The company added that the affected cars are safe to drive because pressing hard on the brake pedal when the ABS is activated will stop the vehicle.
Toyota has been criticized by the media and consumers for taking its time to issue this recall as the automaker had introduce a running production change on the new Prius built from January 2010.
The Japanese automaker said that it will begin mailing letters to Prius owners included in this recall next week and HS 250h owners within the next few weeks, to inform them when to bring their vehicles into a dealership.
According to the company, the software update will take approximately 40 minutes using standard test equipment in use at all authorized Toyota service centers.
The latest safety campaign for Toyota comes after a string of other recalls, mainly about the faulty accelerator pedals / killer mats, that concern 8.1 million vehicles worldwide since October of 2009.
