Toyota Recalls More Than 260,000 Prius Cars
» Posted July 8, 2020 • Resources | Share This Post
Whether you are driving a Pinto or a Prius, the last thing you want is for the vehicle to stall on the road unexpectedly. That is a recipe for disaster for not only the vehicle’s driver and passenger but also anyone else who happens to be in the vicinity at the time.
Toyota is recalling more than 260,000 Prius vehicles because of a software error that the company says could cause engine stalling. The defect could prevent the vehicles from going into a fail-safe mode in the event that a problem with the hybrid system is detected.
“If this occurs, the vehicle could lose power and stall,” the company said in a notice posted on Toyota’s website. “While power steering and braking would remain operational, a vehicle stall while driving at higher speeds could increase the risk of a crash.”
The recall covers the 2013 to 2015 Prius and 2014 to 2017 Prius V in the United States. Some 12,000 vehicles have also been recalled in Canada.
Toyota said it will begin notifying owners of affected vehicles in August and offer free repairs.
Legal Protections for Defective Car Owners
This is not Toyota’s first recall over stalling concerns. The company in February called back some 700,000 vehicles - including some Lexus models - because of a fuel pump issue that could cause the cars to stall suddenly.
The recalls are just some recent examples of the serious defects with which many cars leave the factory and hit the sales lot. These defects can pose serious hazards to everyone on the road.
Fortunately for California car owners, the state’s lemon law requires a car manufacturer to make certain repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. A manufacturer that is unwilling or unable to repair the vehicle is required under the law to buy it back, compensating the owner for the purchase price, financing fees and other related costs. The manufacturer can instead off to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to accept or reject this alternative option.
Speak with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you are a car owner haggling with your car’s manufacturer over defects and repairs, an experienced California lemon law attorney can help. A lawyer can help you weigh your rights and options to ensure that the carmaker is held fully accountable.
At the Bickel Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across California. We work tirelessly to get the people we represent the compensation they deserve and we have a strong track record of successful results.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney today.
