The brakes on the 2010 Toyota Prius have prompted a U.S. government investigation and a possible third recall for the troubled automaker, if a report in Japan’s biggest business newspaper is to be believed.

The latest setback affects 270,000 vehicles.

The Prius’ brakes are a key feature of the car’s hybrid system and something of an engineering marvel. They capture heat from the friction of braking and transform the energy into electricity that can charge the battery.

The reported recall is the first that would reach the home islands, striking a deeper blow to the national pride of Japan, which has already been wounded by Toyota’s recalls.

Toyota has reportedly had success correcting the problem through a software fix. The automaker has not confirmed reports of a third recall. — PZS

Sources: AP, BBC, Reuters

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#automobile industry#cars#prius#recall#safety#toyota