Japanese carmaker Toyota is struggling to restore consumer confidence following a series of recalls and safety alerts affecting some of its best-selling models.

The following is a timeline looking at its latest troubles:

September 2009: Toyota announces a recall of around 4 million vehicles in the US over fears that accelerator pedals could become stuck in floor mats. The recall is the biggest in the company's history.

21 January 2010: The company announces a further recall of 2.3 million vehicles in the US over potentially faulty accelerator pedals.

26 January 2010: Toyota says it will halt sales and production of eight models in the US, including its top-selling Corolla and Camry, while the accelerator pedal fault is resolved.

28 January 2010: Toyota expands recall from the US to involve cars sold in Europe and China.

29 January 2010: Company says recalls could affect 1.8 million cars in Europe.

3 February 2010: Toyota confirms it has received further complaints from owners of its flagship Prius hybrid related to problems braking.

4 February 2010: Company officials say recalls will cost Toyota at least $2bn.

9 February 2010: Toyota announces recall of around 223,000 of its Prius and other hybrid models in Japan, plus around another 100,000 in the US.

18 February 2010: US officials open a safety investigation into steering problems on the Toyota Corolla, the world's top selling car.

22 February 2010: Toyota reveals it has been subpoeanaed in a US federal grand jury investigation into its handling of the recalls. The probe could lead to criminal charges.