Toyota recalls 1.9 million Prius hybrids

The recall is due to software fault that may cause the car to slow down suddenly.

14:03 12 February 2014

Toyota, the world’s biggest carmaker, is now recalling 1.9 million Prius hybrids due to software fault that may cause the car to slow down suddenly. 

 

The motoring giant said that it identified more than 400 reports of the problem, which mostly came from Japan and North Korea. The company added that there were no recorded accidents or injuries in connection to the software problem. 

 

This recall affects current generation Prius sedans made since March 2009. 

 

"In limited cases, the hybrid system might shut down and the vehicle will stop, perhaps while being driven," Toyota said.

 

This is yet another blow to Japanese carmaker’s reputation. Prior to the latest recall, the company halted the sale of some car models in the United States over problematic seat heaters. 

 

However, Toyota, which was named the top-selling global carmaker last year, is forecasting record profits this year due to the effects of weaker Japanese currency, which makes vehicles cheaper abroad. Last year, the company delivered 10 million vehicles, a 2.4per cent increase compared to previous year.