Toyota has officially announced a global recall on its third-generation Prius models built before January 27, 2010 and involves 8,500 cars in the UK.
The recall is being taken in response to reports of inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady braking on bumpy or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is actuated.
Customers of the affected models are being contacted by Toyota and the software upgrade in the anti-lock braking system will take 40 minutes to complete and will be done for free.
In a statement the company said: "Toyota GB would like to apologise to its customers for any concern this issue has caused.
"In keeping with VOSA’s code of practice, Toyota will write individually to every owner or keeper in the next few days having obtained their contact details from the DVLA. In the meantime, the cars are safe to drive. At no time are drivers without brakes."