Toyota Admits to Software Problem in 2010 Prius Brakes

Toyota is blaming the software in the Prius braking problem they are having. Keep in mind, this is separate from the massive recall on other Toyota cars.

The 2010 Toyota Prius is likely to face a recall after Toyota admitted (Source: CNN.com to a software glitch in the Prius anti-lock brake system.

According to the story, Toyota has already fixed the problem in cars that are being manufactured now.  They just haven't provided any communication to owners.

The 'disconnect' causes a less than one second delay before the brakes take hold. Customers have described the problem as occurring when they are on frozen or bumpy roads, and I've seen some descriptions as indicating it takes a moment for the car to switch from regenerative braking to friction braking.

Over a dozen complaints have been lodged in Japan, while over 100 have occurred in the US.

A search of NHTSA's complaint database turned up ...

"I have been driving my 2010 Prius for 6 months and have experienced the following nearly 10 times," one owner wrote. "When braking, if a pothole or bump in the road is hit, the car seemingly jerks forward/accelerates for a split second."

The 'jerking forward' seems to be lack of slowing down, rather than actual acceleration. But that still has to be a scary thing when driving in conditions that are already rough (icy or bumpy).

This issue does not seem to be affecting earlier generations of Prius, just the new 2010 model.

UPDATE: The NHTSA has opened a formal investigation and Toyota has released a statement:

Toyota is aware of NHTSA’s intention to begin a Preliminary Evaluation centered on owner complaints of a braking issue with the 2010 model year Prius. Toyota will cooperate fully with NHTSA’s investigation.

Some customers have complained of inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is activated in an effort to maintain tire traction. The system, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tire slippage. A running production change was introduced last month, improving the ABS system's response time, as well as the system's overall sensitivity to tire slippage.

This preliminary evaluation addresses owner complaints specific to the 2010 Prius. This condition is not related to either the floor mat entrapment recall or the sticky pedal recall currently in action.

Toyota will continue to evaluate the condition as it relates to owner complaints and will keep NHTSA informed of its progress.

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Ford Focus RS Hybrid

Autoexpress is detailing the possibility of a Ford Focus Hybrid RS in the future. The possibility of more power, less fuel has RS fans excited.

Ford and Peugeot are planning on co-developing the hybrid system (as seen in the Peugeot SR1 concept). The electric motor mated to the 1.6 liter turbo engine is supposed to allow for four wheel drive, 0-60 in five seconds and 40 mpg.

Source: Auto Express.

Too bad it's not going to become a reality for at least three years.

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Japan Orders Toyota to Investigate Prius Hybrid Brakes

Japanese authorities have ordered Toyota to investigate the brakes in the Prius.
Japan Tells Toyota to Test Prius Brakes for Defect - NYTimes.com

NAGOYA, Japan — The Japanese government said Wednesday that it had ordered Toyota to investigate a possible defect in its newest Prius hybrid model after receiving 14 reports of brake trouble, another blow for an automaker already embroiled in its biggest-ever recall.

Complaints mount about Prius brakes - Feb. 3, 2010

In the U.S., more than 100 complaints alleging poor brake performance have been lodged with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration against the 2010 Prius, a newly designed version of the car that was introduced last summer.

This is really bad news for Toyota and their signature hybrid. While Prius sales were up in January compared to last January, this sort of news is going to scare off anyone who thinks the current massive Toyota recalls don't affect hybrids.

BTW, I've seen reports about this issue before. According to an NHTSA memo the regenerative brakes cut out for a moment prior to the friction brakes kicking back in. That momentary changeover makes it seem like you're accelerating, although it's technically just not slowing down any more. Either way, that's a scary thought when you're applying the brakes.

UPDATE: Notice from Toyota

In certain 2010 model year Prius vehicles, Toyota has received reports that some customers have experienced inconsistent brake feel when the vehicle is driven over potholes, bumps or slippery road surfaces.

Toyota is currently in the process of confirming these reports and investigating the vehicle driving conditions under which the reported phenomenon occurs. It would be premature to comment until the investigation has been completed.

Not exactly alot of information in their statement, but a statement indicates they are aware of the issue.

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Toyota (Prius) Hybrid Sales Were Up in January Despite Recall

Prius and other Toyota hybrid sales are up this month, which may be a little bit surprising given all the issues surrounding Toyota right now.  In total, Prius sales were up by 13%, while Toyota hybrid sales were up 2.6%

Where the Prius goes, so goes hybrid sales in general.  So that means that hybrid car sales for January will also likely be up from last January, although I haven't gotten all the numbers, yet.

Keep in mind that Prius sales, and hybrid car sales in general, were way down in January.  The next generation Prius was coming and customers were holding off on buying the old generation Prius and Toyota was no longer supplying them in great numbers.  They were just trying to clear the inventory before the new 2010 model showed up on dealer lots.

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Apple Co-Founder Wozniak Weighs in on Prius Safety

Apple Co-founder Steve Wozniak complained about his 2010 Toyota Prius at the Discovery Forum 2010 (CNet).

"Toyota has this accelerator problem we've all heard about," Wozniak said. "Well, I have many models of Prius that got recalled, but I have a new model that didn't get recalled. This new model has an accelerator that goes wild but only under certain conditions of cruise control. And I can repeat it over and over and over again--safely."

"This is software. It's not a bad accelerator pedal. It's very scary, but luckily for me I can hit the brakes," he said.

This goes against all we've heard from Toyota about the runaway issues they've been having with the Prius. The recall affecting the Prius says the pedal can get stuck in the floor mats unlike the more recent recall where Toyota says the accelerator is getting stuck because of friction wearing the mechanism down.

Toyota, despite the recent massive recall and apologies, has said all along the problem is not with the software. But I've seen several reports out of the media who are quoting safety experts saying there is a software issue.

And to have one of the co-founders of Apple talking about a software issue certainly brings a lot more credibility to the story.

Toyota has said they will be installing a brake override system.

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Pennsylvania Rebate for Hybrids is Ending Soon

In case you missed it or forgot about it, the Pennsylvania rebate program is still happening.  A $500 rebate is available to those who buy or lease a hybrid in Pennsylvania, but only until March 6th.

The program is pretty strict and is available on a first come first serve basis. The rebate instructions and forms are available on the Pennsylvania website.

The following 2009 model year vehicles are eligible for a rebate:

• Toyota Prius
• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Nissan Altima Hybrid
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Saturn Vue Hybrid
• Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
• Saturn Aura Hybrid

The following 2010 model year vehicles are eligible for a rebate:

• Toyota Prius
• Ford Fusion Hybrid (FWD)
• Mercury Milan Hybrid (FWD)
• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Honda Insight
• Nissan Altima
• Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Lexus RX 450h, 450h (AWD)
• Lexus HS 250h
• Ford Escape Hybrid (FWD)
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid (2WD) & (FWD)
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid (FWD)
• Saturn Vue Hybrid
• Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

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Kiplinger Rates Hybrids Highly

Kiplinger has announced their annual buyers guid for 2010. And not surprisingly, hybrids dominate the categories for most fuel efficient in most categories.  The Toyota Prius was also tops for resale value in its category.

It's clear the Toyota Prius is tops in value, but whether the new hybrid cars that have really had an impact, for instance, the Ford Fusion Hybrid, can also retain their value remains to be seen.


See the press release from Kiplinger for the categories rated.  Also, Kiplinger has a sortable buying guide.


Washington, DC (February 1, 2010)—Thanks to redesigned models with leaner price tags, plus new hybrids and clean diesels, 2010 boasts some of the best auto inventory consumers have seen—ever. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance sorts through hundreds of vehicles to reveal the best values in its annual buyers’ guide, “2010 Cars: Where the Deals Are,” available online now at www.kiplinger.com/guides/cars and in the March issue on newsstands Tuesday, February 9.

With sortable online data for more than 1,000 cars and SUVs, the annual buyers’ guide shifts into high gear to select winners in 11 categories ranked by price, performance, value, safety, roominess and driving impressions.

New features for this year include Kiplinger’s “worth a look” designation, which spotlights five vehicles in each category that score high enough to be in serious contention for top accolades; an online quiz to test your car-buying IQ; and slideshows highlighting Kiplinger’s picks for Best In Class, Best New Model, Most Fuel-Efficient and Best Resale Value.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance top picks for 2010:

Under $20,000
* Best New Car: Volkswagen Golf ($19,890, 4dr hatch)—Thanks to the powerful pickup of a five-cylinder engine with the most torque in its class—plus sporty handling, high resale values and a full complement of standard safety features—the new Golf is anything but an econobox. The four-door is atop safety pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
* Best in Class: Volkswagen Golf 4dr hatch ($19,890)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Toyota Yaris 4dr ($13,865)
* Best Resale Value: Scion xB 4dr hatch ($16,420)

$20,000-$25,000
* Best New Car: Toyota Prius ($23,150, trim level II 4dr hatch)—With a more powerful engine that still manages to be less thirsty than the previous generation, the 2010 Prius has a combined city/highway gas mileage of 50 mpg. More cargo room and a split folding rear seat make it extra utilitarian.
* Best in Class: Volkswagen Jetta TDI 4dr ($24,510)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Toyota Prius II 4dr hatch ($23,150)
* Best Resale Value: Mini Cooper S 2dr ($23,000)

$25,000-$30,000
* Best New Car: Subaru Legacy ($25,660, 3.6R AWD)—Standard all-wheel drive has always been the Subaru hook, but the new Legacy proves its cars can be sexy, too. Taut lines hint at the power under the hood—256 horses from the six-cylinder engine—and high-quality materials grace the roomier cabin. Resale values are strong, too.
* Best in Class: Honda Accord EX V6 4dr ($27,515)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Toyota Prius IV 4dr hatch ($26,950)
* Best Resale Value: Toyota Prius IV 4dr hatch ($26,950)

$30,000-$45,000
* Best New Car: Ford Taurus SHO AWD ($37,995)—Ford’s new EcoBoost engine gives this Taurus the power of a V8 with the fuel economy of a V6. With a roomy interior and stylish design, this top safety pick emerged as a clear winner.
* Best in Class: BMW 335d 4dr ($44,725)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Mercury Milan Hybrid 4dr ($31,655)
* Best Resale Value: Audi A5 2.0T Quattro AWD 2dr ($36,825)

$45,000 and over
* Best New Car: Mercedes-Benz E-Class ($51,175, E550 4dr)—Sleek lines are synonymous with the E-Class, but the all new sedan has an even smoother ride, sharper handling and better fuel economy (up to 26 mpg on the highway). An Attention Assist feature reminds fatigued drivers with an audible warning when to take a break.
* Best in Class: Lexus LS 460 4dr ($65,555)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Lexus GS 450h 4dr ($57,425)
* Best Resale Value: Lexus LS 460 4dr ($65,555)

Sports Cars
* Best New Car: Chevrolet Camaro SS ($31,595, 1SS)—The long-awaited rebirth of Chevy’s iconic sports car combines a muscular body and a gauge-heavy instrument panel that recalls the pony car’s past, updated with plenty of 21st-century technology and safety features.
* Best in Class: Porsche Cayman S 2dr (62,370)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Hyundai Genesis 2.0T 2dr ($22,750)
* Best Resale Value: Chevrolet Camaro SS 2dr ($31,595)

Small Crossovers
* Best New Crossover: Hyundai Tucson ($20,790, GLS)—Hyundai’s smallest crossover gets a Cinderella makeover this year with sharply creased sheet metal, a more aggressive stance, a bigger engine for oomph and more generous cargo space and passenger room.
* Best in Class: Honda CR-V EX AWD ($25,805)
* Most Fuel-Efficient (tie): Ford Escape Hybrid ($30,510) and Mercury Mariner Hybrid ($30,755)
* Best Resale Value: Honda CR-V EX AWD ($25,805)

Large and Midsize Crossovers
* Best New Crossover: Lexus RX 350 ($37,675)—Not just another grocery-getter, the third generation of the original crossover boasts three additional airbags, a new suspension for improved handling, expanded cargo space and available all-wheel drive—for a smaller price tag than last year’s model.
* Best in Class: Toyota Highlander V6 ($28,400)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Lexus RX 450h (42,535)
* Best Resale Value (tie): BMW X5 35d AWD ($52,025) and BMW X6 35i AWD ($57,125)

Truck-Based SUVs
· Best in Class: Chevrolet Suburban ($44,430, 1500 LS AWD)

· Most Fuel-Efficient (tie): Cadillac Escalade Hybrid ($74,375), Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid ($51,670) and GMC Yukon Hybrid ($52,135)

· Best Resale Value: Jeep Wrangler Sport AWD ($21,915)

· Note: No new truck-based SUV models were introduced this model year.

Wagons
* Best New Wagon: Subaru Outback ($28,690, 2.5i Limited AWD)—A sophisticated interior and exterior makeover gives the new Outback a roomier cabin, more cargo space and better handling. The utilitarian all-wheel drive standard in Subarus and the new look make the Outback a Best in Class winner and a top safety pick.
* Best in Class: Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD ($28,690)
* Most Fuel-Efficient: Audi A3 2.0 TDI ($30,775)
* Best Resale Value: Toyota Matrix S ($20,400)

Minivans
* Best in Class: Toyota Sienna CE 7-Passenger ($25,340)
* Most Fuel-Efficient (tie): Chrysler Town & Country Limited ($35,880) and Volkswagen Routan SEL ($37,300)
* Best Resale Value: Honda Odyssey EX ($30,615)
* Note: No new minivan models were introduced this model year.

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