The carmaker says that it is recalling up to 468 cee’d models featuring Electronic Stability Programme systems due a possible problem with insufficient brake force from the master cylinder. The recall applies to cee’d 5-door, SW and 3-door vehicles built between 1 April 2008 and 30 March 2009, with the company adding that it is not aware of any accidents having occurred in the UK because of this issue.

At the same time, owners of 6,585 Picantos built between November 2009 and February 2010 are being contacted to arrange a recall for the fuel-filler neck to be replaced. This is due to a potential issue with fuel leaks, as shown by the harsh 2009-2010 weather conditions, which revealed that where high levels of de-icing materials have been used there is a possibility that material in the fuel filter neck seal could be damaged.

In all cases, the work will be carried out free of charge.

Hamish McCowan, director of after-sales and logistics, said: 'Safety is always our top priority and our on-going product assessment and research has revealed these two potential problems.

'We have immediately put in place a process to contact owners and the work will be conducted by Kia dealers at a convenient time for customers. I would apologise to any owner whose vehicle may be affected and at the same time I would like to assure them that we believe we are acting before anyone in the UK has experienced any issue,' he added.