Toyota is issuing a recall on approximately 340,000 model year 2016 and 2017 Prius vehicles because a parking brake defect has led to injuries and deaths.

About the Toyota Prius Recall

According to multiple media sources, the vehicle recall is due to the parking brake becoming inoperative. This could cause the car to roll away if a driver is away from the vehicle while it is not in “Park,” increasing risk of crash and injury.

Toyota received several reports of crashes, injuries and deaths involved with the defective parking brake. A spokesman for Toyota declined to give any further details on the injuries and deaths linked to the recalled vehicles.

Owners will be notified of the recall, and dealers will install a clip to the brake cable dust boots to prevent any potential malfunction, free of charge.

Description of the Recalled Toyota Prius

The recall includes model year 2016 and 2017 Toyota Prius sedans. According to Toyota, approximately 92,000 of the recalled Toyota Prius vehicles are in the United States. 212,000 units are affected by the recall in Japan.

Earlier Toyota 2016 Prius Recalls

In September, Toyota issued a recall on approximately 7,600 model year 2016 Prius vehicles due to potential airbag issues. The recall was spurred by reports of airbags deploying without reason or partially inflating. No injuries or crashes were linked to this airbag defect.