AROUND 8,500 Toyota Prius cars are to be recalled in the UK because of a braking problem in the latest blow to the reputation of the giant Japanese company, it was announced today.

Part of a 400,000-vehicle recall worldwide, the UK recall involves the third generation of the hybrid electric-petrol Prius and affects models manufactured from last summer up to January 27 this year.

Toyota said the problem related to what it described as "inconsistent brake feel" during slow and steady braking on bumpy road surfaces when the anti-lock braking system is actuated.

The beleaguered company added that there had been no accidents linked to this issue in Europe.

Apologising to customers, Toyota GB said the recall would consist of a software upgrade in the anti-lock braking system. The procedure will be carried out free of charge and will take approximately 40 minutes using standard test equipment in use at all authorised Toyota service centres.

The company said it would write individually to every owner or keeper in the next few days.

It went on: "In the meantime, 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.