Prius recall: 160,000 hybrids affected

Toyota today issued an international recall of its petrol-electric hybrid compact car the Prius. The recall is due to a potential software glitch that may cause the hybrid to stall. Around 160,000 vehicles are affected -- the lion's share of which have been sold in the USA (70,000) and Japan (70,000).

According to general media releases, Toyota Japan has stated there are no safety concerns but it has decided to offer repairs free of charge. The problem may cause the petrol engine to stall but the electrically-powered brake and steering operation would continue to function normally, the reports state.

The voluntary recall follows an investigation by the US-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States into complaints about problems with the Prius stalling.

The administration said in June that it had received reports of engine stalling in 2004 and 2005 model-year Prius vehicles. Over 85 per cent of the incidents occurred when the car was being driven at speeds ranging from 55 to 100km/h.

It's believed to be the first recall of hybrid cars for engine-related problems

"We have a total of 428 complaints, but no crashes or injuries," NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson told the Los Angeles Times.

"We're satisfied that their [Toyota's] remedy is going to take care of the problem," he said. As a result, "we intend to close our investigation" and Toyota is "to be commended" for the voluntary recall, Tyson said according to the Times.

Due to time differences, news of the international recall hit Australia on a weekend. Toyota Australia is therefore expected to make comment regarding the recall early next week.