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Huge Toyota hybrid recall: SA affected

DETROIT, Michigan - Toyota is recalling 625 000 Prius hybrid vehicles worldwide because they can stall without warning.

Toyota says the software settings in the hybrid and motor control units could cause them to overheat. If they are damaged the vehicles will go into a "safe" mode and shut down.

The Prius recall does not affect SA (we didn't get the relevant models) but does South African Toyota Auris hybrid units.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

According to Toyota SA: "In certain of the involved vehicles, the current software settings for the motor/generator electronic and hybrid control units could result in higher thermal stress in certain transistors, potentially causing them to be damaged.

"If this happens, various warning lights will illuminate and the vehicle can enter a failsafe mode. In rare circumstances, the hybrid system might shut down while the vehicle is being driven, resulting in the loss of power and the vehicle coming to a stop.

CUSTOMER RECOURSE

Toyota SA has confirmed that 356 local vehicles are affected (built from February 2011-14).

The automaker said: "If affected, customers will be contacted by their local dealer to bring the vehicle in. The dealer will install updated ECU management programs for both motor/generator control ECU and hybrid Control ECU."

GLOBAL RECALL

In the US the recall affects 109 000 Prius V units, also known as the Prius Plus and Alpha, built during 2012 to 2014 but not sold in SA.

Toyota recalled the Prius sedan in 2014 for the same issue. Vehicle owners will be notified. Toyota dealers will update the software at no charge.

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