Toyota recalls 242,000 Prius, Lexus hybrids for brake problems

Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it has issued a voluntary recall of about 242,000 of its popular Prius hybrid sedan because of brake pressure parts that could crack and slow down stopping times. The recall includes a small number of the Lexus HS 250h hybrid vehicle.

About 91,000 of the cars involved in the recall were sold in North America. The recall involves model year 2010 cars.

The automaker said the recall involves 233,000 Prius cars that were built between March and October in 2009.

The recall also includes about 9,000 of the Lexus HS 250h hybrids that were made between June and October 2009.

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The Prius vehicles affected were sold worldwide. The Lexus sedans were sold in the U.S. and Japan.

The automaker said brake pressure parts, known as an accumulator, “may develop a fatigue crack on an internal part due to vibration,” slowing responses when drivers try to use the brakes.

Toyota said that there have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to the problem, but the company said it had received numerous complaints.

“Owners of vehicles subject to this recall will receive a notification by first class mail,” Toyota said in a statement, adding that faulty parts would be replaced at no cost.

Toyota’s image for reliability took big hits in 2009 and 2010 after a series of big recalls, including faulty brakes, sticky gas pedals and other issues.

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