Toyota recalls 8,500 cars from UK

Japanese car giant Toyota is recalling around 8,500 Prius models in the UK due to a braking problem.

The recall affects the third generation of the hybrid electric-petrol Prius and models manufactured from last summer up to January 27.

An "inconsistent brake feel" during slow and steady braking on bumpy surfaces was revealed when the anti-lock braking system was actuated although there were no accidents linked to the issue in Europe.

The models recalled will have software upgraded in the anti-lock braking system for free and Toyota will write to each owner or keeper within days.

The recalled cars are among 400,000 of the model recalled worldwide.

Toytoa said: "The cars are safe to drive. At no time are drivers without brakes. Toyota GB guarantees to every customer its utmost attention to making this upgrade as quickly and efficiently as possible."

The announcement about the environmentally-friendly, ultra-low emissions Prius follows the recall of around seven million Toyotas worldwide - including about 180,000 in the UK - over problems with accelerator pedals.

Toyota GB said that insurance cover on Toyota cars was unaffected by the current safety recall. The company added that in a statement issued last week, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) had said: "The ABI confirms that motor insurance policies will continue to cover Toyota owners affected by the recall of certain models.

"Any claims will be dealt with in the normal way, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the policy. If they have not already done so, anyone who thinks they may be affected should contact their local Toyota dealer and follow their advice."

Toyota GB added: "Should this clear reassurance by the ABI not be enough, Toyota will happily offer cover to any Toyota driver via the Toyota insurance service, replicating the same terms as their existing policy."

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