Local News: Borneo Motors recall the Prius

Toyota has received complaints of inconsistent brake feel during slow application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is activated in an effort to maintain tyre traction. There is a possibility that the brake force after the ABS activation may be delayed slightly as compared to before the activation. The system, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tyre slippage.

The special service campaign involves an upgrade of the ABS management system for the third generation Prius 1.8 (model code ZVW30R). All customers who purchased their third generation Prius from Borneo Motors (S) Pte Ltd will be notified and scheduled for an appointment for the system upgrade.

Borneo has supplied a simple list of Qs and As:

Q1: What is the condition?
A: Toyota has received complaints of inconsistent brake feel during slow application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is activated in an effort to maintain tyre traction. The system, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tyre slippage. If the same brake force is applied under this condition, in the worst case, this may lead to an increase in the braking distance required of the vehicle.

Q: What is the cause of the condition?
A: The condition is caused by improper programming of the ABS Electronic Control Unit (ECU). There is a possibility that the brake force after the ABS activation may be delayed slightly as compared to before the activation.

Q: Are there any warnings that this condition exists?
A: The driver may notice inconsistent brake feel during slow application of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) starts to activate.

Q: Are there any steps a driver can take if they experience this condition?
A: Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment, but until the upgrade of the ABS management system is completed on the vehicle, Toyota advises drivers to depress the brake pedal using firm pressure.

Q: Which and how many Prius are involved in this special service campaign in Singapore?
A: There are 70 units of the third generation Prius 1.8L registered by Borneo Motors involved in this campaign, with model code starting with ZVW30R.

Q: What is the production period of the affected vehicles?
A: The vehicles involved in this special service campaign were produced from January 2009 to January 2010.

Q: Are there any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles involved?
A: There are 3 other models involved: the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, SAI and HS250h. However, none of these vehicles are distributed or sold by Borneo Motors.

Q: Why are first and second generation Prius vehicles not involved in this campaign?
A: The third generation Prius is an all-new vehicle built from scratch. The ABS management programme is different from the previous generations of Prius.

Q6: Why are other Toyota and Lexus Hybrids not involved?
A: ABS management systems for other models are different from the involved models.

Q: What is Borneo Motors going to do?
A: Owners will be notified by mail and telephone. Borneo Motors will upgrade the ABS management system to all Prius customers who purchased their vehicles from Borneo Motors, free of charge.

Borneo Motors customers can call our Customer Contact Centre at +65 6475-1288 or email to cr@inchcapemotors.com.sg to schedule for an appointment at the 3 designated service centres, namely Leng Kee, Ubi and Sin Ming Toyota Service Centres.

Q: What should an owner do if they experience such condition before the ABS management system is upgraded?
A: This condition only occurs momentarily during light pedal application when the ABS system begins to activate. If an owner experiences this condition, he/she should depress the brake pedal using firm pressure.

Q:How does this condition feel like?
A: If the brake pedal is lightly depressed on certain road surfaces such as icy or bumpy road, the driver may feel a momentary reduction in the braking performance.

Q: What if an owner has additional questions or concerns?
A: Borneo Motors customers who have any questions or concerns may contact Borneo Motors Customer Contact Centre at +65 6475-1288 or email to cr@inchcapemotors.com.sg.

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