Toyota announces recall of Prius, RAV 4, and Tacoma over software issues

Toyota announced recently that it is recalling 700,000 model year Prius vehicles plus an additional 260,000 Tacoma, RAV 4 and Lexus RX 350 vehicles in the US. The problem is with the vehicles' ECU (engine management computer). There have been no reports of accidents or injuries, but Toyota is concerned that under certain conditions the vehicle may lose power and stop. Toyota says that braking is not compromised if the condition does manifest itself.

The specific vehicles included in the loss of power recall are model year 2010 through 2014 Prius cars. In addition, some 2012 RAV 4s, Tacoma pickups from 2012 and 2013, and some Lexus RX 350s from 2012 and 2013 will also be recalled over a separate issue related to ABS and traction control. In those vehicles the anti-lock braking system’s software will be updated in the ECU. Toyota says that braking is not compromised if the condition does manifest itself.

Customers will be notified of the recall by mail. They will be requested to return to the dealership for an ECU software upgrade. It is unlikely that a special trip to the dealership will be required for those that use dealers for maintenance. Toyota hinted that the update may not be available at dealerships yet.