Hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius are popular with many individuals who live throughout the nation. The good gas mileage these cars provide owners does not mean that they are not susceptible to mechanical problems. In fact, owners of certain Prius vehicles, including those who reside in the state of Ohio, should be aware of a problem with the model that recently prompted a recall.
The recall is due to the possibility that the car could suddenly stall. The stalling is because of issues with the software used to regulate various parts of the vehicle. Some of the car’s circuits could be damaged because the software is currently set to allow heat to generate in their transistors. This could ultimately cause the hybrid system to shut down. Should this happen it is possible that a Prius could cause a motor vehicle accident, possibly involving other cars, to occur.
Automobiles involved in this recall were sold throughout the world and include model years 2010 through 2014. A total of 700,000 of the 1.9 million cars recalled were sold in the United States, undoubtedly including the state of Ohio.
Toyota has indicated it will address the issue by updating the software in the affected vehicles.
Though there are some reports of vehicles stalling, thus far no injuries due to the defect have been reported and hopefully the recall will prevent them from happening in the future. When a product is defective and causes someone to be injured, a products liability lawsuit may be appropriate.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “Toyota recalls Prius hybrid over glitch that can cause stalling,” Jerry Hirsch, Feb. 12, 2014