Toyota Prius recall

In the latest twist in the Toyota Prius recall scandal, Toyota has announced the recall of about 436,000 hybrid vehicles worldwide, including its latest model, to fix braking problems caused by glitches in the car’s computer software.

Prius owners driving at low speeds on bumpy or icy roads have reported moments where the car continues to coast for about a second after the brakes are applied, because of the anti-lock brake system. Toyota said it got word about the Prius brake glitches through dealers starting in the last few months of 2009.

Toyota Prius recall

The company said it would send notices to the owners of 437,000 Prius models and other gasoline-electric vehicles to “update” current software that is causing improper brake “feel” for drivers on bumpy or slippery roads.

The U.S. Transportation Department is also investigating reports of Prius brake failures. The department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 124 reports from consumers, including four saying crashes occurred with two minor injuries, according to an investigation document.

The Toyota Prius recall is its third in less than three months. Toyota said recalls could cost the company in excess of $1 billion. In its monthly report, Edmunds.com said Toyota’s U.S. market share was likely to drop to 14.7 per cent in January, it’s lowest since March 2006.