Toyota has issued a recall across Europe due to a problem with the accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.

The problem will not be on all vehicles but the manufacturer has issued the recall as a precaution.

Toyota explained the problem: "This is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn.

"This progressive wear, combined with certain operating and environmental conditions, can cause friction in the mechanism to increase and intermittently result in the accelerator pedal being harder to depress, slow to return or, in the worst case, stick in a partially open position.

"In case of occurrence, the driver may notice that the accelerator pedal is progressively harder to depress or is slower to return. A rough or chattered feeling may also be experienced when depressing/releasing the accelerator pedal."

Toyota will communicate directly to customers with vehicles potentially affected. The models and exact number of potentially affected vehicles is under investigation.

A running change in production using different parts has already been implemented model-by-model in the European production. Therefore there is no need or intention to stop production in Europe.

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