Toyota recalls 2.4 million Prius and Auris over stalling issue

Toyota is recalling 2.43 million examples of the Prius and Auris Hybrid over concerns the cars could lose power when going into ‘failsafe’ mode, commonly known as limp-home mode. Examples of the Prius, Prius+ and Auris Hybrid built between October 2008 to November 2014 are affected.

The majority of cars (1.25 million) are in Japan, while 830,000 are in North America. A further 290,000 are in Europe and 55,519 are in the UK. Cars that are affected can be fixed with a software patch administered by dealers.

Cars are designed to enter limp-home mode when their monitoring systems detect an issue somewhere within the car’s systems. Such modes restrict the amount of power the engine can develop and limit the car’s maximum speed, typically to around 30 or 40mph.

When affected models of Auris and Prius enter limp-home mode following a fault with their hybrid system, however, Toyota has detected the cars could lose power and stall – though the vehicles’ brakes and steering will still work.

This recall follows a previous action issued by Toyota in September, which concerned a potential fire risk in the hybrid systems of the latest Prius hatchback and C-HR Hybrid SUV – though the limp-home mode recall affects previous-generation examples of the Prius and Auris Hybrid. 

A statement released by the company said: “Toyota is conducting a safety recall which in the UK involves the Prius, Prius+ and Auris Hybrid models. There are 55,519 vehicles affected which were produced from October 2008 to November 2014. 

“The involved vehicles were designed to enter a failsafe driving mode in response to certain hybrid system faults. Toyota has found that in rare situations, the vehicle may not enter a failsafe driving mode as intended. If this occurs, the vehicle could lose power and stall. Power steering, braking and auxiliary systems such as turn signals would remain operational.

“Toyota dealers will update the software for all involved vehicles at no charge and the recall will be conducted in accordance with DVSA guidelines.”

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