On February 8, 2010, Toyota announced yet another recall, according to their website. This time they are recalling 133,000 Prius vehicles and 14,500 Lexus HS 250h vehicles. Both vehicles are 2010 models. This latest recall is needed because the owners of Lexus HS 250H vehicles have been reporting an inconsistent braking response when slowly applying the brake. Toyota has already made changes in production to correct the anti-lock braking system for the 2010 Prius and has plans to begin a production change for the HS Lexus 250H for later this month.

“We’re committed to doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to restore consumer trust in Toyota, and these recalls are part of this effort,” said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer, Toyota Motor Sales. “We regret the inconvenience this recall will cause to Prius and HS 250h owners, and will do our best with the support of our dealers to make sure that it is conducted in the most trouble-free manner possible.”

In addition, President Akio Toyoda has announced that he will be reviewing the company’s process and procedures and applying stricter quality control for all vehicles produced. He wants to make sure that future vehicles adhere to high quality standards and are safe and reliable. In addition, Toyoda has promised to be more responsive to customer complaints, something for which Toyota has received considerable criticism.

With this latest recall, Toyota dealers will be updating the vehicle software of the 2010 Prius to correct the ABS brake problem. The Lexus HS 250h software update will be announced within a few weeks.

In a separate recall, Toyota will be notifying 7,300 owners of the 2010 4-cylinder Camry vehicles in order to inspect the power steering hose. Brake malfunctions due to power steering hoses touching front brake tubing causing brake fluid leakage have also been found.

These two February recalls come shortly after two other recent recalls that also involved Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The first recall occurred in November of 2009 involving 4.2 million Lexus and Toyota vehicles that were recalled due to a trapped gas pedal. Toyota and Lexus gas pedals were getting trapped beneath the floor mat causing unexpected acceleration. The second recall was announced in January of 2010 when Toyota recalled 2.3 million Toyota vehicles for a sticking accelerator.

Toyota has advised anyone with questions or concerns to contact their Toyota dealer or Toyota directly at 1-800-331-4331.