Toyota reassure Notts customers

TOYOTA has moved to reassure customers in Notts after announcing another product recall was needed on one of its models.

The Japanese car manufacturer yesterday said it is to bring in 8,500 of its Prius hybrid cars in the UK for repairs due to concerns over a braking problem.

The announcement follows a decision by the company to also recall around seven million vehicles worldwide over accelerator pedal problems in certain Toyota models.

Toyota GB says there had been no accidents linked to the braking issue in Prius cars in Europe.

A statement from Toyota GB said: "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 recall consists of a software upgrade in the anti-lock braking system, which takes 40 minutes and can be done for free at Toyota service centres.

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

The braking issue reportedly affects the third generation of the hybrid electric-petrol Prius, which is 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 needed.

Toyota dealerships in Notts - including Inchcape Toyota in Lenton and Ron Brooks Toyota dealerships in Mansfield and Ilkeston - said they couldn't comment on the situation when approached by the Evening Post yesterday.

A Toyota spokeswoman said that details of the number of customers affected in Notts were not yet available - but that all Toyota owners in the county affected by the recalls will have been contacted by letter.

The Prius is one of a number of Toyota models that are not affected by the accelerator problem.

Toyota says that any of its vehicles build before 2005 are also not part of the recalls.

Models affected by the accelerator recall are the AYGO MMT between February 2005 - August 2009; iQ (November 2008 to November 2009); Yaris (November 2005 to September 2009); Auris (October 2006 to Jan 5, 2010); Corolla (October 2006 to December 2009); Verso (February 2009 to January 5, 2010); Avensis (November 2008 to December 2009).

Models not affected by the accelerator issue are the AYGO Manual; RAV4; Urban Cruiser; Avensis Verso; Corolla Verso; Celica; MR2; Previa; Land Cruiser; Land Cruiser Amazon; Land Cruiser V8; Hilux; Hiace; Prius; and Dyna.

Toyota customers can call 0800 138 8744 for more information.

* For the latest on the situation at Toyota, read the Evening Post's Motoring supplement on Friday.