Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says Toyota's leaders have assured him they are taking safety concerns "very seriously."

In a statement, LaHood said the transportation agency will "remain in constant communication with Toyota to hold them to that promise."

Toyota said Tuesday it was recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems. The recall includes 133,000 Prius cars and 14,500 Lexus HS250h vehicles in the United States.

U.S. owners will start receiving letters about the recall next week.