Got our P4 at the end of December, after the snow falls in DC with rutted road surfaces, experienced the brake issue, then again a week later. Took it to the dealer, they initially said there were no issues, its just the hybrid brakes and ABS, the "special hybrid mechanisms..." which was bull hockey. Recall and news chatter speaks for that response. I went back to the specific site and had the same problem, and my neighbor followed in his Prius, older generation, no issues for him, we switched cars, both experienced the issue. Our happy little Prius sits in the driveway until Dealer can repair this - and yes, its a real issue, its a repair, and it is a serious safety flaw that Toyota could have handled better in every respect. Bought this car specifically for long trips/mileage, and I have not been able to use it for 3 trips so far - Nice to see they corrected the issue in Japan so fast, and we are slowly getting a resolution here. Odd, given the inverse proportion of lawyers and litigation.
There is a fix available here in the states for the brake 'issue' on the 2010. Call you dealer and schedule to bring it in. The actual fix takes under 10 minutes since it is a software update. I want to clarify as mentioned, that although the actual fix takes under 10 minutes your time spent in the service department will probably be longer due to the sheer volume of work being performed right now.
I think it is argueable as to how Toyota has handled this whole issue. But they are now recognizing it as an issue. Also I think the timeline for recognizing the issue has been similar almost simultaneous to Japan. Toyota implemented a change on the production line...but since all Prius are produced right now in Japan, that change applied to all Prius being produced for all markets. There's no evidence that Japan has had preferential treatment. My advice...get the update then evaluate..hopefully it will solve the problem and calm your concerns. As far as the dealer not being able to help you before the update was announced or the problem officially recogninzed, that's unfortunate it really is. BUT what else could a dealer do? Before Toyota officially recognizes it as a problem and offers a update to the brake calibration software the dealer can't adjust something like that, individually for one individual. The Prius Brake Calibration Software Update was a change that came as a result of feedback from "the field" not from discovery within, so it unfortunately left some feeling a sensation they did not like, and with dealers hands tied to do much of anything....until the software release.
actual fix time is modest, but be prepared, already many reports of dealers being swamped and taking up to 2 hours.
:focus: (Sorry fellas.) maxmike, I note that McLean, VA, is inside the Washington beltway, where the cloud of media hyped pseudo-hysteria seems to be at its highest concentration these days... no doubt in anticipation of the congressional media circus/hearing soon to come. Surely, in response you can decline to use your car. I think a more thinking response is to put this whole thing in context. Most, if not all of us, have driven vehicles that unknown to us suffered from some safety defect; extinguished head and tail lights, seriously under inflated tires, tires run way past the minimum recommended tread depth, low brake fluid level, etc. Most often, it is a survivable condition. The situation with the braking transition and "drop out" is similar. To the extent that you know its there, you are better off. You can choose to drive in a way to minimize and even negate its existence and possible effect. * Be more aware of the road conditions ahead. * Leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead. * Don't panic. Except for the outlandish floor mat thing, the "problems" are identifiable and manageable if you choose to be an active participant. And by all means, get a reservation to have the re-calibration done ASAP.
Sadly, we'll be dealing with poorly & misinformed posts like this for quite some time. There obviously will be some just for the sake of stirring trouble too. GO TO THE DEALER! The update is already available. It only takes a few minutes to apply. Report back about the difference that makes. .
