Toyota has announced the recall of 1.9 million Prius hybrid cars – including 700 in Ireland – due to a software fault which could cause vehicles to halt while being driven.
The recall will affect 30,790 UK-registered third generation Prius models, as the Japanese manufacturer attempts to correct a problem with boost converter control software.
The boost converter is required when driving with a high system load, for example when accelerating hard from standstill.
Toyota has recorded 400 field reports of the issue occurring globally, with 11 in Europe. No accidents of injuries have been recorded at this time.
“Toyota has identified that the software setting could lead to higher thermal stress occurring in certain insulated-gate bipolar transistors in the boost converter which may lead to them deforming or being damaged,” the company said in a statement.
“Should this happen, warning lights may be illuminated and the car is likely to switch to ‘failsafe’ operation – it can still be driven, but with reduced power. In limited cases the hybrid system may shut down, causing the vehicle to stop.”
Toyota confirmed that the problems will not affect any of its other vehicles, which use different transistor structures and control logic.
Vehicle owners are required to bring their car to the nearest Toyota centre for a 40-minute software update.
Prius cars have been recalled in the past, with the car manufacturer requiring software updates to 400,000 after problems with antilock braking systems were noted by drivers.
IDG News Service
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