Toyota has ordered a halt to Prius sales after receiving reports that parking brakes may fail to engage. The issue could lead to vehicles rolling away without warning. The automaker is also recalling vehicles that may have been affected, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Defect
Toyota is recalling 91,585 vehicles from the 2016 and 2017 model years, produced between Aug. 5, 2015 and Oct. 3, 2016. Of these cars, about 19,500 have not yet been sold and are still in dealer inventory. The cause appears to be brake cables disengaging from the crank lever of the foot-operated parking brake pedal. If an affected vehicle is left in any other gear than “Park” while the ignition is on, it could roll away.
Timeline
In May 2016, Toyota began to receive reports from drivers about the issue. The end result was three separate Toyota field reports, as well as 64 warranty claims that are believed to be related to this issue.
On Oct. 12, 2016, Toyota filed a Defect Information report with the NHTSA, informing the agency about its voluntary recall.
Proposed Remedy
Toyota expects to begin notifying owners and dealers of the recall in November 2016, and the recall process itself will begin Dec. 11, 2016. Owners will be asked to return their vehicles to their nearest dealer. Toyota will install a clip at the parking brake cable that will prevent it from disengaging. This work will be done free of charge, as all affected vehicle owners are still within their warranty periods.
