On February 12, 2014 the Toyota Motor Company USA issued a voluntary recall of nearly 700,000 2010-2014 Toyota Prius vehicles in the U.S. due to defective software. The affected vehicles are at risk of losing power and entering safe mode while in operation due to a flaw in the ECU software that controls the motor/generator and hybrid components.
Owners of vehicles included in the recall should be receiving a notice via first class mail informing them of the recall. The letter will provide instructions to obtain a free repair to the software from your local dealership.
A technician will perform a software update that takes about 40 minutes, and if that is unsuccessful it may require replacing the control module, which can take about three hours.
Steps to Take When You Suspect You Have a Defective Vehicle
Many vehicle defects are not discovered until several reports of vehicle failure or accidents have occurred. Toyota was aware of reports of the problem as far back as May 2011, though there are no reports of injuries or accidents related to the software glitch.
If you detect that something is unusual about your car, get it to your dealership or mechanic right away. By reporting an issue to your dealership the manufacturer can look for repeat instances of a part or system failure and determine if a defect exists. You can even report a defect to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) via its hotline (888-327-4236 or 800-424-9393), or online at Safercar.gov.
What to Know About Accidents Caused by Defective Vehicles
If you or a loved one was injured by a defective vehicle, the vehicle’s manufacturer may be liable for damages. You may be entitled to compensation for your property and physical damages, as well as pain and suffering. The personal injury team at Cordisco & Saile LLC can help your family if a defective vehicle has harmed you or a loved one. If you’re in or around the Southampton area, call 215-642-2335 or fill out our contact form to schedule a FREE consultation regarding your potential injury claim.
