1,200 Irish cars affected in Toyota hybrid recall

MORE than 1,200 Toyota cars in Ireland have been affected by a safety recall over potential problems with stalling.

A number of Toyota Prius, Prius+ and Auris hybrid vehicles have been recalled over an issue with the failsafe driving mode.

It is part of a global recall for some 2.43 million hybrid vehicles worldwide.

The company said that in rare cases the vehicles might fail to enter a “fail-safe” driving mode, lose power and stall.

While these cars were designed to enter this mode in response to certain hybrid system faults, this may not operate as intended.

Power steering and braking would still work, but a stall at a fast speed could increase the risk of a crash.

Toyota Ireland has confirmed a total of 1,289 vehicles here are affected.

Chief executive Steve Tormey said: “Toyota is committed to ensure the highest standards of safety for our customers above all else.”

“This recall affects limited numbers of customers in Ireland, and if any customer has any queries or concerns our dealer network will be happy to address these,” he said.

Toyota Ireland will be contacting all affected customers directly by mail to arrange to have their vehicles checked.

The software will be updated at no charge to the owner.