Toyota has issued a voluntary safety recall on the 2010 Prius and 14,500 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid cars to update software in the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Toyota has already implemented the update on the Prius at the factory, but a correction will not be available for the HS 250h until later this month. Effectively, Lexus is issuing a stop-sale on HS 250h sedans currently on dealership lots, until they can be updated. We might add that in our judgment this problem wouldn’t warrant a recall, but customer complaints coming on the heels of two earlier recalls have probably contributed to it.

This move mirrors what happened with the recent major recall for sticking accelerator pedals. The models included in that recall had to remain at dealerships until a fix could be made. Like those cars, the HS 250h can technically be sold, though the buyer cannot take possession until the work is performed.

Consumer Reports is in the process of suspending its recommendation for the Lexus HS 250h.