[IGSTK-Developers] Software Reliability: Toyota recalls 160, 000 Prius hybrids due to software glitch

[Luis Ibanez]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051014/bs_afp/japanusautocompanytoyotarecall

"TOKYO (AFP) - Toyota Motor has issued a recall for about 160,000 Prius
cars sold mainly in the United States and Japan due to a potential
software glitch that may cause sales of the gas-electronic hybrid to stall.

A spokesman said there were no safety concerns but Toyota had decided to
offer repairs free of charge.

The problem may cause the gasoline engine to stall but the
electrically-powered brake and steering operation would continue to
function normally, he added.

The voluntary recall follows an investigation by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration of the United States into complaints about
problems with the Prius stalling.

The administration said in June that it had received 33 reports of
engine stalling in 2004 and 2005 model-year Prius vehicles. Over 85
percent of the incidents occurred when the car was being driven at
speeds ranging from 35 to 65 miles per hour (56 to 104 kilometers per hour).

Of the affected vehicles, about 75,000 were sold in the United States,
70,000 in Japan and 15,000 elsewhere.

The Prius is the best-selling hybrid vehicle in the United States. Many
consumers wait six months to a year for delivery."