Toyota Australia has today announced a recall of approximately 300 current generation Prius vehicles built between August 2015 and October 2016 due to a potential issue with the parking brake cable.
The impacted vehicles are equipped with a manual parking brake system that is operated by a foot pedal. When the foot pedal is operated, a connecting cable applies the rear brakes.
There is a possibility that during normal operation of the vehicle, the parking brake cable may disengage, causing the parking brake to become ineffective. If this happens and the transmission is left in any gear other than 'park' while the ignition is on, the vehicle could roll away.
To rectify this condition, parking brake cable clips will be installed on all impacted vehicles.
Toyota Australia expects the parts will arrive at dealerships later this month. A letter will then be sent to all impacted owners to request that they make an appointment at their preferred Toyota dealer.
The repair will take approximately 30 minutes and will be carried out free of charge.
There have been no reported cases in Australia as a result of this condition.
For further information, please contact the Toyota recall campaign helpline on 1800 987 366.
Toyota Prius
Parking Brake Q and A
Q1: What is the condition?
A1: Prius vehicles are equipped with a manual parking brake system that is operated by a foot pedal. When the foot pedal is operated, a connecting cable applies the rear brakes by pulling the parking brake actuator lever on the rear brake calliper assembly.
During normal operation of the vehicle, the cable could disengage from the parking brake actuator lever on the rear brake calliper, causing the parking brake to become inoperative.
If the parking brake does not engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'park' while ignition is on, the vehicle could roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Q2: What is the function of the Parking Brake?
A2: The parking brake works together with the transmission park function to hold the vehicle when it is parked.
Q3: Which and how many vehicles are involved?
A3: There are 304 Toyota Prius vehicles involved in the Australian market.
Q4: What is Toyota going to do?
A4: A letter will be mailed out to owners of the involved vehicles on or about 4 November 2016 requesting they make an appointment with an authorised Toyota dealer to have the rectification completed.
Toyota dealers will perform required rectification
FREE OF CHARGE to the vehicle owner.
Q5: What does the remedy involve?
A5: For all involved vehicles, Toyota dealers will install clips onto the parking brake cable.
Q6: How long will the repair take?
A6: This repair will take approximately 30 minutes. Depending upon the dealer's work schedule, it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time.
Q7: Can vehicle owners continue to drive their vehicle?
A7: Yes, The potential for the vehicle to roll away only exists if the vehicle is parked with the transmission left in a gear other than 'park' with the ignition on. Owners can ensure their vehicle is securely parked by ensuring the vehicle is left with the transmission in 'park' position with the ignition 'off'.
Q8: What should an owner do?
A8: Owner's should contact their preferred Toyota dealer to arrange vehicle rectification at their earliest convenience.
Q9: Have there been any reports of accidents or injuries?
A9: There have been no reports received of this concern in the Australian market.
Q10: Are there any other Toyota vehicles involved in this campaign in the Australian market?
A10: No other Toyota models are involved in this campaign.
Q11 What if an owner has additional questions or concerns?
A11: Owners with additional questions or concerns are asked to please contact their local Toyota dealer in the first instance or the Toyota recall campaign helpline on 1800 987 366. Please quote your 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Q12: Where can I find my VIN?
A12: VIN number location varies by model. For information on how to find the VIN position specific to your vehicle, please search "vehicle identification number" in the alphabetical index at the rear of your Owner's Manual.