The carmaker said that in some cases a flaw within the brake pump could reduce the braking power assistance of the vehicle. It added that the braking itself is not affected, only the amount of pressure required from the driver on the pedal.

Details of the numbers of models and countries affected in Europe have not been released but a report in Reuters said that the recall would apply to about 14,700 i-MiEV and MINICAB-MiEV electric vehicles vehicles globally, of which around 6,000 vehicles are in Japan and about 8,900 in Europe, including i-MiEV sister models, the Peugeot iOn and Citroen C-Zero.

In a comment, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation said: ‘MMC is working swiftly to remedy the brake pump issue by working with local MMC distributors and customers, strictly adhering to the law of local governments.’

Reuters added that the recall comes a month after Mitsubishi Motor was inspected by Japan's Transport Ministry, which said the automaker inappropriately reported about recalls involving minicars.