Toyota to recall Prius hybrids over ABS software

The new software, already being installed in vehicles in production, will reduce the ABS response time, Toyota said.

Toyoda said he had experienced the problem, which he called "a moment of anxiety," himself while driving a Prius on a Toyota test track.

"The vehicle will stop if you apply pressure," he said.

The recall prolongs an unprecedented spell for Toyota in which the safety of its cars has been in the spotlight. Last month the company initiated a global recall of some of its cars due to problems with the accelerator pedal.

"Let me assure everyone that we will redouble our commitment to quality as a lifeline of our company," said Toyoda. "With myself taking the lead and keeping to the genchi genbutsu principle all of us at Toyota will tackle the issue in close cooperation with our dealers and our suppliers. Together, we will do everything in our power to regain the confidence of our customers."