Federal investigators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have officially opened an investigation into complaints that the Toyota Prius hybrid engine stalls in traffic.
NHTSA has received 33 reports of the gas-electric hybrid shutting down without warning, typically at speeds between 35 mph and 65 mph. There have been no reported cases of injuries. The investigation covers about 75,000 vehicles.
In at least half the cases, the car wouldn't restart and had to be towed. Some of the complaints indicate the Prius hybrid engine operated in electric mode for a period of time after the gas engine stalled.
The Toyota Motor Corp. is aware of the official investigation and a spokesman said the company is cooperating fully. ConsumerAffairs.com reported the potential Prius problem in April.
Toyota Prius sales tripled in April to 11,345.
