June 1, 2005 Federal investigators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have officially opened an investigation into complaints that the Toyota Prius hybrid engine stalls in traffic.
NHTSA has received 33 reports of the gas-electric hybrid shutting down without warning, typically at speeds between 35 mph and 65 mph. There have been no reported cases of injuries. The investigation covers about 75,000 vehicles.
In at least half the cases, the car wouldn't restart and had to be towed. Some of the complaints indicate the Prius hybrid engine operated in electric mode for a period of time after the gas engine stalled.
The Toyota Motor Corp. is aware of the official investigation and a spokesman said the company is cooperating fully.
ConsumerAffairs.com reported the potential Prius problem in April.
Toyota Prius sales tripled in April to 11,345.
Report Your Experience If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.
Terms of Use Your use of this site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use
Advertisements on this site are placed and controlled by outside advertising networks. ConsumerAffairs.com does not evaluate or endorse the products and services advertised. See the FAQ for more information.
Company Response Welcome If complaints about your company appear on our site, we welcome your response. Please see the Response Form for more information.
For more information, see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice. ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof.
