Toyota Prius recall: 340K hybrids may suffer parking brake failure

[Titan ;x]

 

Recall action affects 2016-17 Prius models

Toyota will recall 92,000 2016-17 Prius hybrids in the U.S., 212,000 in Japan and 36,000 throughout the rest of the world, claiming “there is a possibility that the parking brake could become inoperative."

Reportedly, the problem only occurs if a driver attempts to exit the Prius without first putting the transmission in park; in that case, where the emergency brake alone is used to hold the vehicle, there is a chance that the parking brake cable will fail.

The repair is simple enough and will be free-of-cost to owners. Toyota plans on adding clips to the top of the brake cable dust boots, which will apparently help prevent the cable from failing. Toyota will let affected owners know in December, but you can always check your VIN against Toyota’s recall database.

There are no official reports of accidents directly connected to the parking brake cable failure, but Toyota is looking into the matter. Just to be sure, if you happen to own one of the affected Prius models, you should double-check that you push the park button and power down the car before exiting.