Toyota has confirmed it is recalling its recently launched Prius petrol-electric hybrid model.
The worldwide recall of an estimated 430,000 cars concerns a potential braking problem with the car. Toyota claims the problem is related to a software issue on the cars launched last May. It results in a slight delay in braking, particularly over bumpy roads.
An estimated 58 new Prius models in Ireland are affected.
Toyota said last week that it was already contacting these owners to check if they were experiencing any braking problems with their cars.
It's the latest embarrassing recall for the world's largest car maker and follows a recall of nearly 8 million cars in recent weeks over potential problems with accelerator pedals and slipping floormats that have been blamed for incidents of unintended acceleration in several of the brand's major models.
At his first press conference since the recall controversy began, Toyota president Akio Toyoda confirmed last week the new Prius had a potential brake problem but delayed making a recall announcement until this week.
This morning, while confirming a global recall of the Prius, Mr Toyoda said the firm was also halting sales in the US of its Lexus HS250h, a model not sold in Europe.
In a statement this afternoon, Toyota Ireland said: "The recall is being taken in response to reports of inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady braking on bumpy or slick road surfaces when the ABS is actuated. It will entail a change to the ABS management program of the vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in order to improve response time and the system's overall sensitivity to tyre slippage. The specific software change has been communicated by Toyota Europe and the procedure will take approximately 40 minutes."
Meanwhile, Toyota Ireland has confirmed that owners of the 18,130 cars being recalled here over potential problems with the accelerator pedals can expect to receive letters from the company in the coming days.
The recall will involve owners visiting their local dealers where a small metal plate will be fitted to the accelerator pedals to prevent them from sticking. The parts are due to arrive in Ireland tomorrow and work will begin on fitting them to cars next week.
Owners can check if their car is part of the recall by entering their registration details in a special recall section on Toyota's website. They can also contact a dedicated helpline for the recalls at 01 4190222.
