The move follows complaints from Prius drivers that their brakes aren't working properly on rough or slick road surfaces when the anti-lock brake system is activated. In the US, the government has received over 100 such complaints. The defect, which is said to be the result of a software glitch, is also said to have been linked to at least five crashes.

According to media reports, the recall will cover more than 400,000 hybrids around the world including the Prius and the Lexus HS 250h. The measure applies to all HS 250h vehicles and Prius vehicles produced since May 2009, although the carmaker is said to have made a change on the production line for the 2010 Prius after becoming aware of this problem back in late January.

In the US the move will affect 133,000 2010 Model Year Prius vehicles and 14,500 Lexus HS 250h models. Over 220,000 hybrid cars in Japan will be recalled including the Toyota Sai, while the measure also covers over 50,000 vehicles in Europe and 5,000 in other territories.

The latest problem follows in the footsteps of a global recall of over eight million Toyotas due to issues with a sticky accelerator and floor mats getting trapped on the pedal.

Last week Akio Toyoda, president of the Toyota Motor Corporation and the grandson of Toyota's founder, apologised for the problems and said that the company would strengthen its quality controls through a global quality task force that he himself would personally head up.

The committee headed by Mr Toyoda will have a six-point action plan that includes a focus on improving the quality inspection process.

Speaking at the press conference in Nagoya, Japan, Mr Toyoda said: 'I would like to take this opportunity to apologise from the bottom of our heart for causing many of our customers concern.'