Toyota Problems Pile Up

First there were rumors. Then Toyota admitted it. Its super-popular hybrid, the Prius, could have problems that could lead to a recall, at least in Japan.

The world’s largest automaker said Thursday its Prius—by far the best selling hybrid--had problems with its anti-lock braking system. The New York Times reports the company may have to issue a recall.

Even famed Prius fan and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is piling on, saying his Prius could have brake problems.

Japanese officials had commented on possible Prius brake problems Wednesday.

Toyota has already recalled some of the world’s most popular cars—like the Camry—for problems with sticky accelerators. Despite a quarterly profit, Toyota said Wednesday it expects a loss for the year based on the cost of the recalls and the negative effect on sales the hammering of its reputation has caused.

On Wednesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood even briefly recommended that owners of Toyota models affected by the gas pedal problems stop driving them altogether. He later backtracked on those comments.

But you get the point: Not good times for Toyota or its dealers. It’s almost as if being the world’s biggest car maker is a curse. When General Motors held that spot for years and years, it was a regular target for Gremlins, safety issues, and quality complaints.

Maybe it’s better not to be No. 1.