[RealJustme]

Toyota is recalling at least 1.9 million Prius models for hybrid systems and safety aids (711,000 in the U.S.)such as brakes that can shut down while driving, according to Toyota and filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The 2010-2014 Prius has transistors that can overheat and become damaged due to errors with the hybrid powertrain software. The transistors are part of the car's inverter, which converts the battery's direct current to alternating current to run the electric motors. When they fail, the software on these cars can completely cut power while driving.

Toyota said it found a "hairline crack" in the inverters on several Prius models between July 2012 and June 2013, but could not determine the problem at that time. Later, Toyota said it found that driving under high loads, such as acceleration onto highways, could cause the transistors to overheat and become damaged, which could then send "transient" electrical currents to the main computer and reset the entire system. If that happens, the car can either switch into "limp home" mode, in which the car is restricted to a low speed as a fail safe, or it can completely shut off

Oooops But hey the owners feel good deep inside, even if they can't accelerate onto highways without breaking them. :lol:

[johnforbes]

Yep, they are sorta the vehicular version of so-called socially conscious investing.

If the world had a true electric/solar/whatever car, and it worked, that would be great. My one brother just recently worked in China working on a project to sell such a vehicle in America, but the project failed. He feels there is some future promise in this area, but that we may all be dead by the time there are practical, affordable products for the masses.

[RealJustme]

Hybrids are over priced and packed with evolving unproven technology which will result in massive repair bills as they age. The growing complexity of hybrids translate into mass produced vehicles that will have massive problems as they age.

I have a neighbor who has one of the recalled Prius', the repair shop told him they will need the car 2 days, since the car is only 6 months old the repairs are covered under warranty, the Toyota consultant told him if the repairs weren't covered it would have cost him over 5 grand. He had taken the Prius back to Toyota after a trip that involved going over some hills, after the trip he notice a lack of power and the braking changed and warning lights would sometimes flash on then go off, Toyota told him Hybrids are like that, there would be times when things change but it's of no concern as long as no warning lights come on (and stay on)...now he knows different.

[Grog]

Yes. This is shocking for many reasons, not the least of which is that it is the first recall in the history of automobiles.












Drudge

[johnforbes]

Long as he can pop the clutch of his Nash Rambler, Grog is content.

[sillydaddy]

All this and the Obamas too....if only recalling them could be that easy.

[Grog]

Here you go, Silly: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/3/impeach-obama/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


See? It is that easy. I'm sure you're already being audited by the IRS, so it won't be anything new for you.

[RealJustme]

It should be a requirement that anyone who buys a Prius is not only required to have car insurance but also life insurance. People are paying 15K more for Prius over a similar none hybrid to save $300.00 a year in fuel, it would take 50 years to break even...if you ignore the 5K repair bills. Then what the hell do we do with the millions of old 500lbs batteries that are made out of the same material as watch batteries that require special disposal since they're so dangerous to people and the environment? It was just 15 years ago that liberals and environmental groups were demanding watch makers do away with the same type of batteries now being used in hybrids.