Toyota said on Tuesday it would recall around 8,500 Prius hybrid cars in Britain over a braking failure as the Japanese carmaker scrambles to cope with the latest technical problems affecting its vehicles.
The move was part of a global recall of more than 400,000 hybrid cars following a barrage of complaints over acceleration and braking failures.
Toyota said it was recalling the vehicles due to a problem with the anti-lock braking system on third generation Prius cars manufactured between mid-2009 and January 27 of this year.
Drivers “can experience reduced braking performance resulting in increased braking distance,” Toyota said in a statement regarding the Prius, which is the world’s most popular hybrid car.
The cars in question will need to undergo a software upgrade for the anti-lock braking system in a 40-minute procedure which can be carried out by any authorised Toyota dealership. The beleaguered carmaker said it will contact every owner in the coming days.
The brake trouble comes after Toyota recalled more than eight million vehicles worldwide due to a problem with sticking accelerator pedals which has tarnished the image of the world’s biggest car company.
The Prius is the world’s most popular hybrid, beloved by Hollywood stars and environmentalists alike, and its troubles are a major setback to Toyota’s efforts to stay at the forefront of fuel-efficient vehicles.
