Toyota brake problems hit Australia

More than eight million of the marque’s most popular models have been recalled in the United States, Europe and China to address sticking accelerators caused by at least two separate problems -- slipping floor mats and a design fault in the pedal.

To date Australia has been isolated from the problems, but the latest safety concerns over inconsistent brake feel have hit closer to home.  Toyota Australia says it is investigating reports that some owners have experienced inconsistent brake feel when the vehicle is driven over potholes, bumps or slippery road surfaces.

There have been more than 100 complaints of brake problems on the Prius in the United States and the world's biggest car manufacturers says that 77 similar concerns were reported in Japan to the end of last year. Toyota has not released the number of Australian complaints.

Toyota Australia says that while it is investigating the reports of Prius brake problems in Australia and will make no further comment or supply numbers of complaints the company believes there is no relationship with the earlier overseas recalls.