BOOBY PRIUS

TEETERING car giant Toyota is investigating NINE crashes involving its Prius model as fears mount over the eco-friendly hybrid's braking system.

Hundreds of worried Prius drivers have reported brake problems and five of the cars have crashed in Japan and four in the US - with at least two of the smashes resulting in injuries.

Toyota is now facing a THIRD recall, which would affect 270,000 Prius cars worldwide and 7,000 bought in Britain.

The latest fiasco follows the recall of EIGHT MILLION Toyotas because of sticky accelerators.

Toyota president Akio Toyoda, pictured below, was forced to apologise for the recalls.

But we can reveal the crisis is set to deepen after the Japanese transport ministry received 80 complaints about the Prius brakes and US authorities more than 100. Toyota has also confirmed some complaints have been received in the UK.

The Japanese and US governments are putting pressure on Toyota to launch a probe and potentially recall the cars.

Last night Toyota spokesman Scott Brownlee said: "All incidents will be investigated, and we will take the appropriate action. The brakes issue isn't that they don't function, but that they feel different."

Toyota's UK boss Miguel Fonseca admitted the cars had suffered a software problem which "appears to release the brakes early in certain conditions". But he urged drivers not to panic and assured Toyota would intervene if it decided there was a safety issue. The world's largest car-maker has been forced to recall eight million cars worldwide over two separate safety issues with accelerator pedals. A massive 180,800 UK cars have been recalled.

Mr Brownlee said: "We're working around the clock to get the pieces manufactured and technicians trained so we can start repair work on Wednesday. Cars identified as definitely having the fault will be tackled first. If you're an affected customer you will be contacted this week."

FOR more on the recalls see www. toyota.co.uk/recall Call 0800 138 8744 if you have problems with a Toyota.

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