Toyota recalls more than 2 million cars

Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s largest automaker, recalled more than 2 million vehicles this week, triggering memories of the company’s massive 2009 recalls that set Toyota back $2 billion.

The current recalls came after problems with four different Toyota and Lexus models, including the hybrid Prius. The move will not cost the company quite as much money as the recalls from five years ago.

{mosads}The Japanese automaker’s largest recall of the week included 1.9 million Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles built between 2009 and 2014, because of a software problem that could cause these cars to shut down in the middle of a drive.

Toyota informed the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the recall Wednesday, which included about 700,000 Priuses sold in the U.S., as well as cars sold in Japan and Europe. 

But Toyota also recalled another 260,000 or so vehicles of three Toyota and Lexus models because of brake problems.

The second recall includes 100,052 Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks, 107,052 Toyota RAV4 SUVs, and 54,010 Lexus RX350 for a total of 261,114 vehicles. 

Toyota said the brake systems on some of these vehicles may malfunction, which could effect functions such as skid control, antilock brakes, and traction control. This could lead to reduced control of the vehicle and a greater risk of crashing. 

Owners of these vehicles can bring them into their local dealers, who will update the system problems for free.

In 2009, Toyota suffered a setback after recalling more than 14 million vehicles for problems with gas pedals and brakes, among other things.