2010 Toyota Prius Brake Failure

When you purchase a new vehicle from an auto manufacturer, you take for granted that its braking system is safe and reliable.  But if that vehicle is a 2010 Toyota Prius, you may be in for an unpleasant ride.  

The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) is opening a formal investigation to look into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability in the 2010 Prius. The investigation follows dozens of consumer complaints alleging weak braking capabilities in the 2010 Prius, the third generation of Toyota's fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle. The NHTSA has logged 124 reports from consumers about the problem, including four reports alleging crashes occurred.

Toyota has acknowledged design issues with the brakes in its popular Prius and is cooperating with the NHTSA on a preliminary evaluation of the problem, according to news reports.  The company issued a recall for 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles, including 133,000 Prius cars in the US.

The problems appear to occur when the Prius strikes a pothole or other uneven road surface.  Some drivers report a loss of braking power, which requires them to press down harder on the brake pedal in order to slow or stop the vehicle.  Others claim to feel the car lurch forward after it hits a bump.

Early speculation into the problem's cause points to the regenerative braking system found in the Toyota Prius.  Some mechanics have stated that the system's sensors may malfunction when the car is jarred by a severe bump.

Are You Experiencing Braking Problems with Your 2010 Toyota Prius?

If you've experienced loss of braking capability while driving your Toyota Prius, you may be entitled to reparations.

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