Toyota Recalls 75,000 Prius Hybrids

Toyota has issued a recall for 75,000 Prius gas-electric hybrid cars because their engines can stall due to an electrical problem.

Involved in the recall are some 2004 and early 2005 model year Prius cars, the Detroit Free Press said Friday. The cars have a gas engine as well as a battery-powered electric motor that can run separately or together to save fuel.

The Prius was listed this week by the Environmental Protection Agency as the second-most fuel-efficent car, behind Honda’s two-seat hybrid Insight.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 68 reports of Prius engines stalling. No one has been injured by the defect and it hasn’t caused any reported accidents.

In affected vehicles, Toyota said dashboard warning lights might come on and the gasoline engine shuts down. The vehicle’s electric motor continues operating in a limited capacity, so drivers are able to steer to the side of the road.