(Wed 03 Feb 10)

After several days of speculation and comment about the Toyota recall situation - the most talked-about of its kind for years in this country - Toyota has given full details about exactly how the recall will be handled.

The issue is that some Toyota models have been reported as having "sticky" accelerator pedals which do not release as they are supposed to. Replacement parts are being shipped to the UK, and the necessary work (which should take around 30 minutes) will be carried out at Toyota service centres from February 10.

The recall involves 180,865 cars sold in the UK, and the DVLA is being provided with details so that it can contact all the registered keepers. Ranges affected are the iQ, Aygo (automatic transmission models only), Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Avensis and Verso. The Prius, the RAV4 and manual-transmission Aygos are not being recalled, and nor are any Toyota light commercial vehicles. Similarly, Toyota's luxury brand Lexus is not involved in the recall.

Miguel Fonseca, Managing Director of Toyota GB, has commented as follows: "Toyota is very sorry about the concern caused to its customers about the safety of their vehicles by the recall we have announced to fix an issue with the accelerator pedal in certain models. Among the several million Toyota vehicles sold across Europe in the past five years there has been a small number of reported cases of drivers experiencing a problem with a sticking accelerator pedal. There have been no reports of any accidents or injuries occurring as a result of this problem in Europe, or the UK.

"People who drive any of the models that are to be recalled should also be aware that this is not a problem that develops suddenly. There are warning signs that will indicate that your vehicle might have a problem, such as the accelerator pedal becoming harder to depress or slow to return to its normal position. In some cases, drivers may notice a rough or chattering feeling when depressing or releasing the accelerator pedal. In the rare event that Toyota drivers notice that the accelerator pedal is hard to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation, they should contact their nearest Toyota dealership.

"Toyota can reassure its customers that its cars remain safe to drive. Safety is our prime concern and that is why we have set up the recall programme to ensure our customers continue to benefit from the highest standards of safety, quality and service."

Toyota owners concerned about the situation are advised to contact Toyota GB Customer Relations on 0800 1388 744, or visit a dedicated recall information web page at http://www.toyota.co.uk/recall.

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