DaimlerChrysler has started a recall of 55,000 Mercedes A-Class because of a brake problem.

The fault, affecting 4,020 cars in the UK across the model range, involves a rubber seal in the master brake cylinder which results in excessive travel of the foot pedal when braking.

The cylinder replacement takes two hours and will be carried out at dealerships free of charge.

The vehicles involved were all made at the Rastatt plant in Germany between September 2000 and January 2001.