Toyota is recalling nearly half a million hybrid cars for braking problems, incdluding its flagship hybrid "Prius". Its the third major recall since September and a further blow to the reputation of the world's largest automaker. Peter: It also triggers a wave of lawsuits in the US where Toyota was slow to respond to complaints. US regulators are currently responding to some 1000 complaints from vehicle owners. In Tokyo, Toyota shares closed 2.9- percent up on optimism that the automaker is taking concrete steps to fix the braking problems.