Hybrid Cars

In what may be the worst public-image reversals of the century, the already beleaguered Toyota corporation’s taken another hit. Along with the massive gas pedal recall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reporting over 100 complaints about poor brake performance on the flagship Prius.

It seems the problem isn’t juts limited to American Prius models. With 14 complaints in Japan since July, the Transportation Ministry is also insisting Toyota look into this issue. And, what exactly is the “issue” you ask? Well it depends on who you ask.

Toyota reports that when the driver steps on the brake, they do not get as full of a braking feel as expected. However, at least one driver on the NHTSA complaint list reported that when braking, the car seemingly jerks forward and accelerates for a split second. That’s real scary stuff. A split second is just long enough to launch you and your hybrid through the windows and into the coffee line at 7-11. Stay tuned for the coming carnage.