Toyota recalls 2019 Prius, RAV4 Hybrid for faulty brake assist

A handful of Lexus hybrids are also part of the recall.

The 2019 Toyota Prius and RAV4 Hybrid are subject to a new recall that surrounds a fault in the brake assist systems in both cars. According to documents Toyota filed with the NHTSA, the new recall specifically surrounds an issue with the brake booster.

Should the brake booster fail in any of the recalled cars, Toyota said it deactivates the Vehicle Stability Control system. Further, brake assist will not kick in if and when it's required. The fault also means each car does not meet federal requirements for stability control systems. read more »

U.S. judge urges VW, SEC to resolve civil Dieselgate suit

A federal judge in California on Friday urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Volkswagen to resolve a civil suit stemming from its Dieselgate emissions scandal.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco, who earlier had questioned why the agency waited two years to sue the automaker, said he was putting the suit on hold until Oct. 4.

“I want you to spend the next month or so seeing if you can resolve this case,” Breyer said, adding he was temporarily halting the case and ordering both sides “to sit down and see if you can work it out because whatever you work out today would be less expensive to everybody than what you would work out in the future.”

The SEC filed a civil suit in March accusing Volkswagen and its former chief executive, Martin Winterkorn, of defrauding investors in U.S. bond offerings. read more »