Recall of the Week: Prius cars due to stall hazard

Toyota is recalling about 700,000 Prius cars, model years 2010 through 2014.

The software’s current settings could cause transistors to heat up, resulting in warning lights coming on and the car slowing down to a limp-home mode. The hybrid system also might shut down causing the car to stall, increasing the risk of collisions.

Toyota will notify owners by first class mail, and Toyota dealers will update the software free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin in late February 2014. Consumers can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331.

Consumers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, or go to www.safercar.gov.

For details on other recalls, see www.recalls.gov.