Adding to Toyota’s troubles are mounting customer complaints about the brakes on the new Prius. The company has stated, “Toyota has received reports that some customers have experienced inconsistent brake feel or little deceleration when the vehicle is driven over potholes, bumps, or slippery road surfaces.”

The glitch is a momentary lack of braking when the pedal is pushed, less than a second, but braking is still maintained after the delay.

The Japanese Ministry of Transport is investigating complaints on the third-generation Prius. In the United States, where the 2010 Prius went on sale last May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also received 124 complaints about the 2010 Prius, not all involving braking issues. Investigators have spoken with consumers and conducted pre-investigatory field work.