The glitch in the software is a different problem from the problem floor mats and stuck accelerator pedals which led to the recall and production freeze of millions of Toyota cars across the globe. About 133,000 units of the 2010 Prius and 14,500 HS 250h were affected and had to be recalled for a software upgrade.

The ABS normally functions when the control system of the car needs to react to slipping wheel on the road so the ABS disengages and engages rapidly. Consumers have reported that they have been encountering problems when they apply brakes on slick or rough roads when the ABS is activated.

The recall covers the 2010 Prius that was produced since May 2009. All Lexus HS 250h are being recalled. Older Prius generations used a different version of the ABS software.

Owners of the vehicles being recalled will be getting a mail from the Japanese carmaker to inform them that they need to bring their car to their local Toyota dealership.

About 7,300 units of the Camry is also being recalled for a possible problem with a power steering hose that is rubbing against a brake fluid hose. In the long run, this may cause a brake fluid leak which will lead to a series of other braking problems. Owners of this Camrys will also be mailed.

Up to when the Prius project will be frozen is still not known. What is evident is the 32% drop in sales that Toyota experience in November of 2008.

Prius sales dramatically dropped year over year coming from 16737 units sold in November of 2007 to just 8660 cars in 2008.

The Tupelo, Mississippi Toyota Plant which is the heart of the production plans in the US has an estimated cost of $1.3 billion. The building is 90% complete but the decision comes before ordering equipment that will go into the car plant.

The Tupelo assembly line is originally planned to build Highlander crossovers but this was discarded when the sales of SUVs dropped because of increasing fuel prices. The course of action was focused on producing Prius hybrids to answer the needs of the market.

The situation reflects the growing pressure on the global earnings of the Japanese car maker. The company aims to hit $6.6 billion of profit amid the reduction in production. This will be done by lowering the number of temporary employees in Japan, holding construction of car plants, and reduction of salary and bonuses of the top bosses.

Toyota has several factory constructions going on aside from the US project. It is planning to increase its production in China and is also building its presence in India and Brazil.

More news on this pause of production in the us on Wheeltronix.