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I purchased a new Toyota Prius in July 2008. My driveway is on an upward incline. When I apply the parking brake, select 'Park' and turn off the ignition the car rolls back - approximately 1/2 a road-wheel revolution. My house is on a hill approached by an unmade road (with several potholes). When driving downhill, if I apply the brakes and hit a pothole simultaneously - the stability control kicks in but the brakes release. In an emergency braking situation the brakes release at the instant the car comes to rest resulting in the car further travelling forward for a short distance. I have come to live with these characteristics as my dealer can find no malfunction but in view of the recent recalls, I reported the problem to Toyota HQ. They responded by saying there was no brake problem with the 2nd generation Prius and therefore no fix was available. However, off the record, the Customer Relations representative confided that I was the third person that day to report similar braking situations with a 2nd generation Prius. I welcome your comments.

Asked on 8 May 2010 by B.W., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
That's how it works. I ran one for 6 months back in 2004. It isn't a problem or a fault. It's the way it functions. There has been an unbelievable amount of publicity drummed up against Toyota for non-faults. I have only ever received 3 complaints of sticking accelerator switches; two of them since the fuss broke out. None of the ABS on the Prius III. In direct contrast, around 100 complaints of failed TEVES ABS modules, mostly fitted to VAG cars, and a distinct reluctance by VAG to replace them FOC. Why no fuss about that?
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