Toyota to recall hybrid cars in South Africa due to software bug

Toyota will recall 356 Auris Hybrids in South Africa due to a software glitch which affects the hybrid system of the vehicle.

A global recall on certain Toyota hybrid models was announced on 15 July, with about 625,000 cars affected.

According to reports, models affected by the recall include Prius V minivans, called Prius Alpa and Prius+, built between May 2010 and November 2014.

Locally, the Auris Hybrid is the only affected vehicle, said Toyota.

“If affected, customers will be contacted by their local dealer to bring the vehicle in. The dealer will install updated ECU management programs both for the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid Control ECU,” said Toyota.

What the software glitch does

“In certain of the involved vehicles, the current software settings for the motor/generator control ECU and hybrid control ECU could result in higher thermal stress in certain transistors, potentially causing them to become damaged,” said Toyota.

“If this happens, various warning lights will illuminate and the vehicle can enter a failsafe mode. In rare circumstances, the hybrid system might shut down while the vehicle is being driven – resulting in the loss of power and the vehicle coming to a stop.”

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