Toyota just announced a major recall affecting the Prius hybrid (regular and plug-in versions). About 200,000 cars are involved
There is apparently a problem with the cars’ electrical systems which could lead to fires.
Owners of the affected vehicles will start receiving recall notices by mail this month.
Toyota said the problem involved wire harnesses that connect to the cars’ power control units. These can wear away over time, generating heat.
“If sufficient heat is generated, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire,” a Toyota spokesman in Tokyo told CNN on Wednesday. He declined to comment on whether the defects have resulted in any injuries or deaths.
The recall applies to cars produced between June 2015 and May 2018. The company said it would provide fixes to customers free of charge.
The Japanese carmaker has had problems with the Prius before.
In 2016, it recalled more than 1.7 million of the vehicles over issues related to their air bags and parking brakes.
