TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corp. will recall 270,000 Prius hybrid vehicles over brake problems in the United States and Japan, a leading newspaper said Friday.
The recall would affect the new Prius hybrid model, which went on sale in the United States and Japan in May 2009, Japan's top business newspaper, Nihon Keizai, said Friday.
Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi also said the Japanese auto giant has launched a probe into the Lexus HS250h model because it uses the same brake system as the Prius hybrid.
Takeuchi said Toyota has not received any complaints about the Lexus HS250h model, and that the probe is to ensure safety.
It said Toyota would soon notify Japan's transport ministry and the U.S. Department of Transportation of the recall.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK also said Friday that Toyota was considering a recall of Prius hybrids in the U.S. and Japan.
Takayuki Fujimoto, a transport ministry official, said the government has yet to receive a recall notice from Toyota. Toyota cannot announce a recall in Japan until it notifies the ministry.
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Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. said Tuesday it is asking dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models.
The company's sales suspension is part of a recall announced last week to correct a problem that could cause the accelerator pedal to stick.
"Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company," said Toyota USA group vice president Bob Carter. "This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized."
About 2.3 million vehicles will be affected by the recall, Toyota said Tuesday in a statement.
The automaker also said that it will halt the production of vehicles in certain production facilities in Canada, Indiana, Kentucky and Texas during the week of Feb. 1 to "assess and coordinate activities."
The vehicles covered under the recall are:
2009-2010 RAV4, Corolla, Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
certain 2007-2010 Camry,
2010 Highlander,
2007-2010 Tundra
2008-2010 Sequoia.
The new recall involving sticking accelerator pedals is separate from an on-going recall of 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to the risk of pedal entrapment because of a loose floormat.
About 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles have been affected by both recalls.
Toyota owners with questions should call Toyota's customer service line at 800-331-4331.
