The BBC website is now reporting the brake issues mentioned on other forums in the US and Japan. I wonder if we'll see a recall here for this?

[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8495132.stm"]Link Here[/url]

Love the picture they used

[img]http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47234000/jpg/_47234427_008635066-1.jpg[/img]

[quote name='OvertheHill' post='967736' date='Feb 3 2010, 01:56 PM']The BBC website is now reporting the brake issues mentioned on other forums in the US and Japan. I wonder if we'll see a recall here for this?[/quote]

There isn't a brakes recall in the states or Japan.

The only Prius recall is for the Gen2 floor mats issue.

[quote name='johalareewi' post='967755' date='Feb 3 2010, 03:01 PM'][quote name='OvertheHill' post='967736' date='Feb 3 2010, 01:56 PM']The BBC website is now reporting the brake issues mentioned on other forums in the US and Japan. I wonder if we'll see a recall here for this?[/quote]

There isn't a brakes recall in the states or Japan.

The only Prius recall is for the Gen2 floor mats issue.
[/quote]


Also just reported on the Daily Mail website..............



[url="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1248177/Toyota-recall-Last-words-father-family-died-Lexus-crash.html"]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/...exus-crash.html[/url]

[quote name='Fujisan' post='967745' date='Feb 3 2010, 02:13 PM']Love the picture they used

[img]http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47234000/jpg/_47234427_008635066-1.jpg[/img]


[/quote]

Poor lad, he looks hungry, but for what I'm not sure...

There is a feature or quirk of the Prius braking system, Gen 2 and 3, that is worth every owner knowing about. It has been discussed before and in great technical detail on forums like PriusChat.

Briefly, if you are braking lightly, so that the Prius is only using regenerative braking to slow down, and a wheel goes over a rough surface, manhole cover, etc, the car may detect that a wheel has slipped, and it will switch from regenerative to friction braking. In between the time it switches, the car will feels light and floaty, some people wrongly describe that it feels like the car has sped up. Don't freak out, don't let go of the steering wheel, and if necessary press the brake pedal more firmly.

I sufferred this yesterday going over a speed bump. I was accelerating to try and make a set of lights but then it went red and I braked right on the speed bump and the car deffo speeded up, infact I would say it surged (there was an increase in engine noise too). I braked very hard and all was ok. It was certainly startling. I suspect the car lost traction slightly which caused the issue. Its the first time its happenned to me.

[quote name='wooski' post='967838' date='Feb 3 2010, 05:50 PM']I sufferred this yesterday going over a speed bump. I was accelerating to try and make a set of lights but then it went red and I braked right on the speed bump and the car deffo speeded up, infact I would say it surged (there was an increase in engine noise too). I braked very hard and all was ok. It was certainly startling. I suspect the car lost traction slightly which caused the issue. Its the first time its happenned to me.[/quote]

Happened a fair bit on my Gen II on wet drain covers. However Gen III - 4000miles later - not happened.

[quote name='timberwolf' post='967809' date='Feb 3 2010, 05:15 PM']There is a feature or quirk of the Prius braking system, Gen 2 and 3, that is worth every owner knowing about. It has been discussed before and in great technical detail on forums like PriusChat.

Briefly, if you are braking lightly, so that the Prius is only using regenerative braking to slow down, and a wheel goes over a rough surface, manhole cover, etc, the car may detect that a wheel has slipped, and it will switch from regenerative to friction braking. In between the time it switches, the car will feels light and floaty, some people wrongly describe that it feels like the car has sped up. Don't freak out, don't let go of the steering wheel, and if necessary press the brake pedal more firmly.[/quote]


I get the same situation when i go over a cattle grid off the M62

The Prius issue is related to when the car looses traction. I was flying over a speed bump when I had it. Apparently the Japanese Govt has ordered Toyota to investigate.

Masses of very bad publicity for Toyota UK overnight - Daily Mail and Times really going for them - with the BBC not far behind.

Interesting that Toyota UK say "there have been dozens of complaints in the US and Japan over brake problems in the Prius hybrid car, but none has been reported in the UK."

So, plenty of reports right here. What does it take for it to actually count as far as Toyota UK are concerned?

[quote name='phil4' post='968144' date='Feb 4 2010, 07:29 AM']Interesting that Toyota UK say "there have been dozens of complaints in the US and Japan over brake problems in the Prius hybrid car, but none has been reported in the UK."

So, plenty of reports right here. What does it take for it to actually count as far as Toyota UK are concerned?[/quote]

I did report it on ours to our supplying dealer who just told me Toyota was not aware of any problems. I reported it only a few weeks after we got the car in July 09. They asked me to bring the car up to let a technician drive it but making this issue happen is difficult as it only happens intermittently, you need a pothole in the road just as your coming to a junction or traffic lights. But as Wooski says it really is scary when it happens.

Part of the problem here is that its an issue with the ABS and VSC. To deny there is a UK braking issue when customers in the UK are seeing the same behaviour is splitting hairs IMHO. We are seeing the same issue!

What I think is more interesting is the report in the Japanese press that Toyota changed the software on the Prius for cars produced after last month. Weather this is for just Japanese market cars or all is not known.

Its so replicatable I can't believe Toyota can't work out a way to minimise it.

However I have only experienced it once in 6 months / 4,000 miles.

Link to the story on PriusChat [url="http://priuschat.com/news/toyotas-next-pr-nightmare-prius-brakes"]HERE[/url]

Usefull thread about how the Prius brakes work over on Prius chat here...
[url="http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-prius-main-forum/75684-understanding-your-braking-system-2.html"]http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii-2010-p...g-system-2.html[/url]

BBC site reporting more on the Prius brake problems.

[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8497471.stm"]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8497471.stm[/url]

It would appear you're all wrong - me included.

Just rung Toyota and their official recall line in an African call centre told me there is NO problem in the UK and that it doesn't apply to UK cars! When I pointed out the latest news stories and that I begged to differ with him, he hung up! lol

Nice customer service Toyota - or lack thereof!

Might be a recall yet...
[url="http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hybrid-news/75703-early-2010-prius-brake-recall-real.html"]http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hybrid-n...ecall-real.html[/url]

Google found this link on BBC site...

3 Feb 2010 ... Toyota's problems deepen after drivers say that the latest version of the Prius hybrid car has brake faults.
[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8495132.stm"]http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8495132.stm[/url]


Can't see what it says until I get home because it is for UK eyes only.
Are these UK drivers or the Japan/USA ones?

And this one..
[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8498220.stm?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter"]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/849822..._medium=twitter[/url]


Latest...
[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8497471.stm"]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8497471.stm[/url]

New BBC Story - [url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8497471.stm"]Toyota Prius in new blow as US opens brakes inquiry [/url]

The big problem for Toyota here is that they've admitted there IS a problem and have changed the software for new cars. How can you not update the old cars? It just doesnt make sense that they think they can get away without doing this in the current climate.

[quote name='wooski' post='968301' date='Feb 4 2010, 03:26 PM']The big problem for Toyota here is that they've admitted there IS a problem and have changed the software for new cars. How can you not update the old cars? It just doesnt make sense that they think they can get away without doing this in the current climate.[/quote]

Will be interesting to know what the mod was.
If they have throttled back the regen bracking, will that make the car less mpg friendly?

Now updated on BBC with case study from a UK Prius driver.

[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8497471.stm"]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8497471.stm[/url]

[quote name='timberwolf' post='967809' date='Feb 3 2010, 05:15 PM']There is a feature or quirk of the Prius braking system, Gen 2 and 3, that is worth every owner knowing about. It has been discussed before and in great technical detail on forums like PriusChat.

Briefly, if you are braking lightly, so that the Prius is only using regenerative braking to slow down, and a wheel goes over a rough surface, manhole cover, etc, the car may detect that a wheel has slipped, and it will switch from regenerative to friction braking. In between the time it switches, the car will feels light and floaty, some people wrongly describe that it feels like the car has sped up. Don't freak out, don't let go of the steering wheel, and if necessary press the brake pedal more firmly.[/quote]


Spot on !!!

Toyota recalls New Prius in Japan and US only for brake upgrade:

Breaking on Priuschat:

[url="http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hybrid-news/75725-toyota-recalling-270-000-2010-prius-hybrids-in-japan-us-brake-issue.html"]http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-hybrid-n...rake-issue.html[/url]

Nothing official out of Toyota yet except for a very minimal statement, but the Nikkei news service in Japan is reporting that Toyota will recall 270,000 3rd generation Prius hybrids that have been sold since the May launch of the 2010 model.

As we've reported a couple of times on PriusChat, Toyota performed a software update to the Prius brake computer system and it has been in effect for Prius models rolling off the line since January. But Prius hybrids sold between May and December do not have the updated brake ECU software, yet. This recall is to update the rest of the 3rd generation 2010 Priuses with the new software.

This type of software update is usually handled via a SSC, or Special Service Campaign, but given all of the attention that Toyota has been receiving from the NHTSA it's not entirely surprising that this issue has been pushed to the top of the pile so fast.

Latest from the Daily Mail - first reports of a crash in the UK involving a Prius.........

[url="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248626/Toyota-UK-recall-Drivers-check-brakes-aceelerators-lethal-faults.html"]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12...hal-faults.html[/url]


l

[quote name='fuel miser' post='968621' date='Feb 5 2010, 09:06 AM']Latest from the Daily Mail - first reports of a crash in the UK involving a Prius.........

[url="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248626/Toyota-UK-recall-Drivers-check-brakes-aceelerators-lethal-faults.html"]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12...hal-faults.html[/url]
l[/quote]

I think the court case is down to the accelerator problem - not the Prius brake issue.

Gotta say I found that Mail article a bit much, quoting ambulance chasing lawyers scaremongering over liability after a recall notice is sent out is just crude sensationalism to my eyes and saying 'near panic among owners' seems a bit wide of the mark too. Can ANYONE just report NEWS nowadays without putting spin on it???

[quote name='Mkuk0' post='968644' date='Feb 5 2010, 10:00 AM']Can ANYONE just report NEWS nowadays without putting spin on it???[/quote]

Not the tabloids for sure.

[quote name='flow' post='968627' date='Feb 5 2010, 08:46 AM'][quote name='fuel miser' post='968621' date='Feb 5 2010, 09:06 AM']Latest from the Daily Mail - first reports of a crash in the UK involving a Prius.........

[url="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248626/Toyota-UK-recall-Drivers-check-brakes-aceelerators-lethal-faults.html"]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12...hal-faults.html[/url]
l[/quote]

I think the court case is down to the accelerator problem - not the Prius brake issue.
[/quote]


So, lets get this right. There's a problem with the brakes, as well as a problem with the accelerator. Is that it? Apparently not. News reports now stating there is s cruise control fault too........................


[url="http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/RunawayToyotas/apple-founder-toyota-problem-software/story?id=9728007"]http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/RunawayToyo...tory?id=9728007[/url]

[quote name='fuel miser' post='968621' date='Feb 5 2010, 08:06 AM']Latest from the Daily Mail - first reports of a crash in the UK involving a Prius.........

[url="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248626/Toyota-UK-recall-Drivers-check-brakes-aceelerators-lethal-faults.html"]http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12...hal-faults.html[/url][/quote]

The report mentions a problem wih the Prius brakes but the crash was a stuck accelerator.
And the mail just says it was a Toyota (it doesn't say it was a Prius - you just assumed that).

"The first UK claim of a crash was made yesterday by a solicitor for an unnamed driver in the Midlands.
He is said to have received head injuries when his Toyota hit a wall at 30mph last September.
'We understand the accelerator became stuck and he suffered injuries as a consequence. My client is receiving medical rehabilitation,' Ciaran McCabe at the Moore Blatch personal injury practice told the Guardian. "

If you check other news stories, it was an Auris, not a Prius.
[url="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8488377.stm"]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8488377.stm[/url]

The problem with this article is that it starts out mentioning the Prius (and brakes) then just goes into the Toyota accelerator problem but, you are left with the impression that the Prius is the one with all the problems and the owners in near panic.

[quote name='fuel miser' post='968653' date='Feb 5 2010, 10:11 AM']So, lets get this right. There's a problem with the brakes, as well as a problem with the accelerator. Is that it? Apparently not. News reports now stating there is s cruise control fault too........................ [/quote]

Not quite.
1) Several Toyotas have a recall due to accelerators that can stick when worn (not Prius).
2) There is a software update for the new 2009(2010) Prius brakes (UK situtation TBA probably SSC)
3) Steve Wozniak (mr Apple) had a problem with his Prius cruise control and made a noise about it.

However, the press are having a field day throwing mud at Toyota no doubt whipped up by the USA motor industry.
Result = confusion!

A voice of reason from Autocar's [url="http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/anythinggoes/archive/2010/02/05/toyota-problems-driver-problems.aspx"]Steve Cropley[/url] (amongst this slow news weeks, media feeding frenzy. )