Toyota Prius safety recall
9 February 2010
The National Consumer Agency has been informed today by Toyota Ireland that in addition to problems identified with the accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain models of vehicles as listed below that it is ALSO recalling certain Toyota Prius models to carry out a modification to the software used to manage the vehicle’s Anti Lock Brake System (ABS).
Accelerator pedal mechanisms
There is a possibility that, in the range of Toyota vehicles listed below, the accelerator pedal mechanism may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
This problem is caused due to wear on the accelerator pedal mechanisms. The driver may notice that the accelerator pedal is progressively harder to depress or is slower to return. A rough or chattered feeling may also be experienced when depressing / releasing the accelerator pedal.
Not all vehicles within the production range are affected by this recall.
The affected models and production periods are as follows:
| Model | Production period |
| Aygo | Feb 2005 - Aug 2009 No manual transmission vehicles involved |
| iQ | Nov 2008 - Nov 2009 |
| Yaris | Nov 2005 - Sep 2009 |
| Auris | Feb 2007 - Nov 2009 1.4 Petrol model not affected |
| Corolla | Feb 2008 - Dec 2009 1.4 Petrol model not affected |
| Verso | Feb 2009 - Nov 2009 |
| Avensis | Nov 2008 - July 2009 New Generation only |
What to do
Toyota has identified those vehicles which are affected by the recall and will be contacting owners directly by post over the next few days/weeks. Information on corrective action and implementation will be communicated to customers at this stage.
For further information please consult Toyota's website Toyota.ie, which provides further information and Toyota owners will be able to input their registration number and confirm if their vehicle is affected.
Recall of certain Toyota Prius models for modification to the software used to manage the vehicle’s Anti Lock Brake System (ABS).
In addition to the above, Toyota Ireland is recalling 58 units of its third-generation Toyota Prius launched in November 2009, in order to carry out a modification to the software used to manage the vehicle’s Anti-lock Brake System (ABS). Any Prius sold in Ireland before November 2009 is not affected by this recall.
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 using standard test equipment in use at all authorised Toyota dealers.
To date, there have been no incidents linked to this issue reported in Ireland. No other Toyota or Lexus models are affected by this latest recall action in Europe.
What to do
Customers will be contacted immediately by letter informing them of the recall and the need to contact their dealership at their earliest possible convenience in order to complete the update of the ABS management program of the vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
In relation to both recalls, Toyota owners who have questions or concerns should contact their local dealer or Toyota Customer Relations for assistance on (01) 419 0222.