Posted
on Tue Feb 9, 2010
Last updated
Feb 9, 2010
TOKYO (AP) - More than 130,000 Prius cars and nearly 15,000 Lexus vehicles in the United States are among those that Toyota is recalling to fix a brake problem.
The new recalls bring to 8.5 million the number of vehicles recalled around the world by Toyota, because of problems involving the brakes and the gas pedals.
Today's recall affects models that went on sale last year. There have been about 200 complaints in Japan and the U.S. about a delay when the brakes were pressed in some conditions.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says Toyota's leaders have assured him they are taking safety concerns "very seriously."
Meanwhile, a congressional hearing into Toyota's massive recalls has been postponed because of a snowstorm expected to hit the capital beginning Tuesday.
A House oversight panel says it hopes to hold the Toyota hearing on Feb. 23. Lawmakers are expected to hear testimony from LaHood, Toyota Motor North America Chairman CEO Yoshi Inaba, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator David Strickland and two safety experts.
