The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Thursday that it is opening a formal investigation of the 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid to look into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability while traveling over an uneven road surface, pothole or bump.
According to the Transportation Department, the Office of Defects Investigation has received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred.
"Safety is our top priority," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "That is why in recent weeks NHTSA has also issued a consumer advisory on the recall of several models of Toyota vehicles and the Pontiac Vibe involving pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. We will continue to monitor these issues closely."
Toyota Motor (TM) has had to recall 7 million vehicles worldwide over concerns that sticky gas pedals could endanger drivers and passengers in eight Toyota models. The company has estimated that costs of the global recall could be as high as $2 billion, including $1.1 billion in repairs. Another $880 million would be in lost sales.
Early Thursday, Toyota confirmed that it received reports that some customers of its 2010 Prius vehicles experienced inconsistent brake feel when the vehicle is driven over potholes, bumps or slippery road surfaces.
The company said it is in the process of "confirming these reports and investigating the vehicle driving conditions under which the reported phenomenon occurs," adding that it would be premature to comment until the investigation has been completed.
Adding to the problems Toyota has faced over this issue was when Secretary LaHood misspoke during Congressional testimony Wednesday morning, advising owners of the Toyota models in question to "stop driving" their vehicles. This comment caused Toyota's stock to tank during Wednesday's trading.
LaHood later clarified his remark, saying it was "obviously a misstatement." Instead, LaHood said he meant to say that he encourages "owners of any recalled Toyota models to contact their local dealer and get their vehicles fixed as soon as possible."
He added that the NHTSA will "continue to hold Toyota's feet to the fire to make sure that they are doing everything they have promised to make their vehicles safe."
Toyota stopped selling the models last week, but it still recommended that those who already bought one be careful and look for symptoms that their cars could have unintended acceleration.
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