More woes for Toyota

Feb 9 2010 Maurice Glover

More woes for Toyota

BELEAGUERED Toyota is hoping its recall nightmare will be over in less than two months' time.

With braking problems in the latest Prius hybrid now added to the 180,000 accelerator linkage problems on other models to be fixed, dealers are investigating the possibility of keeping workshops open for longer to help Toyota GB complete the rectification work as soon as possible.

'We had an eight-week timeframe for the recall work initially but we're looking to improve on that. Dealers are looking at extended opening hours, laying on extra shifts and offering while-you-wait repairs,' said a spokesman.

Parts for the accelerator recall are now starting to arrive and the first 10,000 letters have already gone to customers.

'We are maintaining a dialogue with our customers and it's too early to say if sales will be affected. As well as speaking with customers who have concerns, we're also receiving calls of support,' said the spokesman.

Launched last summer, the third-generation of the world's best-selling petrol-electric car has been found to need a software upgrade to its anti-lock braking system.

According to the company, the problem relates to cars built before January 27 and involves 8,500 models in Britain in a fix expected to take 40 minutes.

'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 anti-lock system is actuated. To date, there have been no accidents linked to this issue and the cars are safe to drive,' Toyota said in a statement.