Aston Martin recalls most cars made since 2007

Aston Martin

Aston Martin is recalling 17,590 cars - most models built since late 2007 - over a counterfeit component mistakenly used in the accelerator assembly, the firm announced this evening.

A Chinese supplier makes the throttle pedal and Aston Martin said it had discovered one part used counterfeit plastic material instead of the correct component from a European supplier.

Aston Martin is keen to stress that there have been no instances of the part failing or any accidents as a result of the counterfeit part. However, it admitted that the part could in theory snap so it has issued a full recall for models affected.

All right-hand drive UK models built since 2012 are affected, apart from the new Vanquish. The company said 1,553 models sold in Britain were being recalled.

The problem is even more widespread for left-hand drive models - most models built since November 2007 are being recalled.

If you own one of the affected models, you will receive a letter from Aston Martin. A quick fix will be carried out free of charge at your local main dealer, at no cost to owners.

A spokesman told the BBC: "Customer safety is very important and to change the pedal takes less than an hour, so take the car and get it replaced is what we're saying. It's very important to say that there have not been any incidents or accidents."

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By Tim Pollard, managing editor, MSN Cars