Toyota is recalling nearly 19,000 cars in the UK over concerns about possible problems with fuel systems as part of a global recall of nearly 1.7 million vehicles.

Avensis and Lexus IS 250 models need to be checked for possible fuel leaks, although the company said there had been no accidents linked to the defects.

Toyota said: "As a result of customer feedback in other markets worldwide, Toyota GB today announced it would recall a number of its Toyota Avensis and Lexus IS 250 models in the UK to carry out modifications to their fuel systems.”

About 15,500 British owners of Toyota Avensis 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol engine models, produced between July 2000 and September 2008, are eligible for the free repair, which could take up to four-and-a-half hours.

Approximately 3,100 UK-registered Lexus IS 250 petrol engine vehicles, produced between August 2007 and February 2009, are also affected.

Jon Williams, managing director of Toyota GB, said: "We are committed to putting the customer first and have a total focus on the quality of all our products.

"We will liaise with our customers to carry out the repair procedures as efficiently as possible, with minimal disruption."

Slight cracks could appear in fuel pipes which may cause leakages if untreated.

The latest announcement is a further blow to Toyota’s previously strong reliability record after it was beset by reliability and build quality problems in the last two years, which has seen it recall some 13 million vehicles, nine million in the US.