The hybrid car Toyota Prius has been recalled worldwide over brake problems.

Following Japanese carmaker Toyota’s earlier recall of its cars after accelerator pedal and floormat problems , it has now recalled 436,000 hybrid vehicles across the world after brake issues have surfaced.

Toyota GB has today (9 February 2010) released the following statement concerning Prius in the UK: “Toyota today announced a global recall on the latest, third-generation Prius built before 27 January 2010. This will involve 8,500 cars in the UK.”

The total number recalled includes more than 200,000 Prius cars sold in Japan, and 133,000 in the US. The Lexus Division 2010 HS 250h has also been affected, with 14,500 of those recalled again in the US, coupled with a further 7,500 Camry vehicles over potential brake tube problems.

Company President Akio Toyoda made the latest recall announcement at a news conference in Tokyo: “We have decided to recall as we regard safety for our customers as our foremost priority.”

Since September 2007, Toyota has already recalled eight million vehicles because of accelerator and floor mat problems.

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) in the 2010 model-year Prius, in normal operation, engages and disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and reacts to tyre slippage.  Some owners have reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application of the brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system (ABS) is activated in an effort to maintain tyre traction.

The recalled cars will need a software upgrade in the anti-lock braking system, which will be carried out free of charge and take approximately 40 minutes using standard test equipment in use at all authorised Toyota service centres.

In the UK, Toyota will write individually to every owner or keeper in the next few days having obtained their contact details from the DVLA. In the meantime, Toyota has assured owners that the cars are safe to drive; at no time are drivers without brakes.

Despite the latest recall, Global Green USA, which provides hybrids and other alternative-fuel vehicles as limos for the Academy Awards in Los Angeles, plans to keep the Prius in its line-up for the Oscars on 7 March. 

“The Prius is the green vehicle of choice for Hollywood and citizens who care about America and are interested in saving money at the pump,” Matt Petersen, Chief Executive of Global Green USA, told Reuters.