More trouble for Japanese auto giant Toyota: A leading Japanese newspaper is reporting the company will recall 270,000 Prius hybrids because of problems with the brakes. Plus, Toyota is investigating its luxury Lexus hybrids for a similar issue.



First speeding up is a problem for some Toyota models with sticky gas pedals…

"I would really hate to be on the highway, and then be going at a top rate speed, and not be able to control the vehicle," says Toyota owner Barbara Griggs.

…Now slowing down.

"It's a weird sensation,” says Toyota Prius Owner Jasmin Tuffaha. “When you hit a pothole or some kind of a bump all of the sudden it's just like zoop!"

The brake problems are only appearing in 2010 Prius models made before last month. Toyota says it's a software glitch that causes a momentary lapse in braking lasting less than a second. For some Toyota owners that second is enough to make them think twice about their own cars.

"I wonder if something's wrong with my car in a way, or if something will happen in the future, or if I should get it checked out," says Toyota owner Molly Fowler.

Making matters worse, CNN is reporting the Japanese automaker knew about the Prius glitch for some time and fixed it on newer models, but never alerted the public. Meanwhile more than 100 U.S. Prius owners have filed complaints about the brakes in their cars. The problem is considered the source of four crashes.

"Does it give you pause at all?" I ask Prius owner Gerry Chapman. He says, "No, because I don't know who the driver was."

Chapman is standing by his car.

He says, "I'm not concerned at all. My Prius has over 216,000 miles on it and it's been a delight."

Toyota says it will comply fully with a new investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission and until a formal recall announcement, Chapman plans to keep rolling along.



Area Toyota dealerships tell us they're getting daily shipments of the parts needed to fix the sticky brake issue. The general sales manager at Toyota of Iowa City says it's a simple fix and they've already repaired 60 cars in the last two days. He adds Toyota has told his dealership nothing about the Prius brake problem.



Toyota May Recall Prius