TOYOTA RECALLS

The Toyota recall is potentially going to cost the company heavily
Toyota is in the process of recalling millions of cars owing to fears of a sticking accelerator pedal.

Cars in the US, Europe and China are all involved in the recall but different models are affected.

The carmaker has apologised for the problems but stresses that only a small proportion of its vehicles are affected. It says only 26 cases have been reported in Europe.

Both diesel and petrol cars are affected.

What is the issue that has raised concerns?

There is a problem with the accelerator pedal that in some cases has become stuck. This is the result of the pedal becoming worn, the company says.

Separately in the US, there have been fears that accelerator pedals have been stuck in the floor mat.

Millions of vehicles have been recalled in the US, 1.8 million cars across Europe are involved in the recall including 180,865 vehicles in the UK, and others are being brought in in China.

Specifically which vehicles are being recalled?

For the floormat issue in the US, Toyota, Lexus and Pontiac vehicles affected are: 2007-2010 Camry, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2004-2009 Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2007-2010 ES 350, 2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350, 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza, 2009-2010 Matrix, and the 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe.

Those recalled for the sticking pedal in the US are 2007-2008 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2009-2010 RAV4, 2010 Highlander, and the 2009-2010 Vibe.

In the UK, the affected models are February 2005 - August 2009 AYGO, November 2008 - November 2009 iQ, November 2005 - September 2009 Yaris, October 2006 - 5 January 2010 Auris, October 2006 - December 2009 Corolla, February 2009 - 5 Jan 2010 Verso, November 2008 - December 2009 Avensis.

Are any other brands involved?

Toyota has admitted a software problem in the new Prius's brakes, but says it has now been fixed, and did not affect vehicles in the UK. So far it has not recalled any Prius cars.

Drivers of Peugeots and Citroens have contacted the BBC News website raising concerns. The Peugeot 107, Citroen C1 and the Toyota Aygo are essentially the same car with different styling and fittings and made at a Czech plant.

As a result, Peugeot Citroen, Europe's second-biggest carmaker, will be recalling "fewer than 100,000" cars made with Toyota in Europe.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated move, rival carmaker Honda has announced the recall of 646,000 cars globally to fix a switch defect that could cause a fire.

What do I do if I get a "sticky accelerator" when driving?

Toyota says drivers will not suddenly find that they have a sticking accelerator. At first, it is likely to be heavier to press or shudder and at that point they should contact the company.

However, if the accelerator does stick when driving, the motorist should press firmly on the brake - instead of pumping it, put the car into neutral, and pull over when safe.

What do I do next?

If you are in the US, you should contact your dealer.

For more information, consumers can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Hotline at 888-327-4236 or the Toyota Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987.

Information from Toyota is also posted at the Toyota website or the Lexus website .

In the UK, cars will start being repaired from 10 February. The repairs will be carried out by qualified Toyota technicians, at Toyota-approved service centres and will take 30 minutes.

In the meantime there is a hotline - 0800 1388 744 - and a dedicated website .

The company is also working with the DVLA and will write to car owners whose vehicles could be affected. This will also include owners who have bought the cars second-hand.

A website that would allow owners to check their vehicles registration number is also being developed.