Toyota Korea recalls 510 Prius hybrids

The local unit of Japan-based Toyota Motor Corp. said yesterday it will recall more than 500 Prius hyrbid vehicles sold in Korea, marking the first recall in its history.

The decision came on the heels of Toyota’s announcement that it will recall three of its 2010 hybrid models, including the Prius, due to a braking system glitch.

Toyota Korea said the voluntary recall will cover 510 Prius sedans manufactured between Feb. 26, 2009 and Jan. 27 of this year that were sold here or brought into Korea between Oct. 22 and the end of last month. Of those, 472 were sold and the rest were brought here.

“Toyota Korea will provide the owners of the problematic Priuses with a free upgrade to their anti-lock braking systems at official Toyota service centers across the country, beginning next Tuesday,” a public relations official for Toyota Korea said.

Earlier in the day, Toyota announced that it will recall the 2010 models of the Lexus HS250h sedan and the Sai in addition to the Prius.

The 2010 Lexus HS250h has not been sold or brought into Korea, so the recall has no effect locally, Toyota Korea said. The Sai, meanwhile, is only sold in Japan.

The recall decision came days after the company admitted to a problem with the anti-lock braking system in its Prius hyrbrids. The beleaguered company has faced numerous problems this year stemming from several other recalls. Around 8 million Toyota vehicles covering eight models have been recalled across the world for faulty accelerator pedals or floor mats.

Toyota Korea said the Camrys and RAV4s sold here - the only two of the eight models that can be bought in Korea - do not contain the problematic accelerator pedals or floors mats.

By Moon Gwang-lip [joe@joongang.co.kr]