NEW YORK, Feb. 8, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Horwitz, Horwitz & Paradis, Attorneys at Law, today filed a nationwide class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of a class comprised of all persons and entities who purchased or leased any of the following Toyota (NYSE:TM) or Lexus Hybrid vehicles: (i) model year 2006 through 2009 Prius; (ii) model year 2010 Prius; (iii) model year 2005 through 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid; (iv) model year 2005 through 2010 Lexus RX 400h; (v) model year 2009 through 2010 Lexus RX 450h; and (vi) model year 2009 through 2010 Lexus HS 250h (collectively, the "Toyota Hybrids") (the "Class").

The Complaint alleges that the brake system in the Toyota Hybrids is defectively designed and does not function properly when the Toyota Hybrids encounter slippery or uneven roadways, resulting in the activation of the anti-lock brake and vehicle stability control systems, and the inability of the Skid Control electronic control unit to cause the brakes to function properly. The design defect in the Toyota Hybrids is caused by a flaw in software which controls the Toyota Hybrids' brake system.

Specifically, the Complaint alleges that the design defect in the Toyota Hybrids causes a delay between the time the brake pedal is engaged and when the brake system begins to slow the Toyota Hybrids. With the delay, a Toyota Hybrid traveling at 60 miles per hour will have traveled an additional 90-100 feet before the brakes even begin to engage -- creating a grave safety issue for Class members and the public.

Finally, the Complaint alleges that Toyota has known of the defective brake system in the Toyota Hybrids for years, but that Toyota has refused to publicly acknowledge the existence of the defect or recall these Toyota Hybrids in order to repair them so that they can be made safe.

The complaint seeks certain relief including the replacement and/or recall of all the Toyota Hybrids equipped with the defective brake system, restitution and damages.

If you have any information concerning the defective brake system in the Toyota Hybrid vehicles, or purchased or leased a Toyota Hybrid that you believe is equipped with a defective brake system and would like further information regarding this nationwide class action, please contact Molly Briere at 212-986-4500 or e-mail at mbriere@hhplawny.com.

Horwitz, Horwitz & Paradis, Attorneys at Law, has been retained as one of the law firms to represent the Class. The attorneys at Horwitz, Horwitz & Paradis, Attorneys at Law, have extensive experience in prosecuting class action cases. The firm has been appointed as Lead Counsel in numerous major class actions by federal courts across the United States and has obtained major recoveries on behalf of injured parties.

CONTACT: Horwitz, Horwitz & Paradis, Attorneys at Law
         Plaintiff's Counsel
         Michael A. Schwartz, Esq.
         (212) 986-4500
         Fax: (212) 986-4501
         405 Lexington Avenue - 61st Floor
         New York, NY 10174