Toyota Recalls 233K Prius Cars

Toyota is recalling about 242,000 of its Prius and Lexus hybrid vehicles because of braking problems. The recall applies to about 233,000 Prius vehicles made between March and October 2009 and about 9,000 Lexus HS250h models made between June and October 2009. The automaker said brake-pressure parts in the vehicles are made of a weak material that could crack because of vibration, slowing response times. No accidents or injuries have been linked to the problem, but the company has received dozens of complaints. Toyota suffered a blow to its reputation from a series of massive recalls in 2009 and 2010, including faulty braking, sticky gas pedals, and defective floor mats. (More Toyota stories.)