Toyota UK
Request ID: FOI-1980-1617
Date published: 28 June 2017
You asked
Thank you for your email response of 19th December 2016 in which you say you (TFL) have no further comments to make about the situation involving fires in Toyota Prius vehicles, and that you (TFL) will continue to monitor the situation and will liaise with Toyota UK.
Can you provide me with details of your correspondence with Toyota UK regarding this matter, both written and verbal.
Can you also confirm whether the cause of the 34 fires involving Toyota Prius vehicles in London between 1st January 2015 and 3rd November 2016 is known or unknown by Toyota UK and also TFL.
You may consider these as Freedom of Information requests if necessary.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI- 1980-1617
Thank you for your email received by us on 9 January 2016 asking for information about the cause of fires involving Toyota Prius vehicles and Transport for London’s (TfL) correspondence with Toyota UK. I apologise for the delay in responding.
Firstly, it is important to note that we will always take into account the information and guidance of the vehicle manufacturer and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) when considering any risks or danger to the travelling public.
With regard to your specific request, which has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our Information Access Policy, I can confirm we do hold the information you require. You asked for the following:
Can you provide me with details of your correspondence with Toyota UK regarding this matter, both written and verbal.
Can you also confirm whether the cause of the 34 fires involving Toyota Prius vehicles in London between 1st January 2015 and 3rd November 2016 is known or unknown by Toyota UK and also TFL
Toyota UK has informed us that they have been notified of 16 occasions in which a Toyota Prius has been involved in a fire related incident. This is a nationwide figure and not solely related to London.
Toyota UK has also informed us that their investigation found the fires were due to poor installation of the headlamp bulb by mechanics not working within the Toyota dealership network.
The DVSA has placed details on their website of a separate recall for Toyota Prius, Auris and Lexus models because of a potential fault in the carbon canister, which could potentially cause a fire. Vehicles owners are being advised to take their vehicle to a Toyota dealership for remedial action. However, this issue has affected a very small number of vehicles worldwide, none of which have been subject to a fire.
This is a voluntary recall instigated by Toyota and notified to the DVSA. We will of course continue to monitor the situation and seek further information from Toyota and the DVSA where necessary.
Yours sincerely
Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
FOI Case management Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
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