Toyota is to recall thousands of its cars to fix a potential problem with the accelerator pedal.
Under certain circumstances the pedal can stick in a partially depressed position, or return slowly to the off position.
The vehicles involved are:
- Aygo with automatic gearbox (built between February 2005 and August 2009)
- iQ (November 2008 - November 2009)
- Yaris (November 2005 - September 2009)
- Auris (October 2006 - January 2010)
- Corolla (October 2006 - December 2009)
- Verso (February 2009 - January 2010)
- Avensis (November 2008 - December 2009)
This problem has already affected some 2.3 million vehicles in the US. The recall for UK cars is part of a 1.8-million vehicle recall across Europe.
Concerned customers can call a special hotline - 0800 138 8744 - for more information. Once Toyota has identified which cars may be affected by this problem, they will contact the relevant owners with an official recall notice.
The recall will also affect the Citroen C1 and Peugeot 107 - sister cars to the Aygo - which are built at the same factory in the Czech Republic.
Toyota has also responded to concerns from owners of current Prius hybrid models who have complained of an inconsistent feeling on the brake pedal when hitting a bump, pothole or low grip surface.
It has already instigated a software upgrade for the Prius' anti-lock braking system on models built from late last month, and will now contact owners to inform them of how to get this upgrade carried out.