Mitsubishi says only about 5,200 vehicles in the UK are affected by a global recall of 1.5m vehicles due to steering faults.

The models affected are the previous model Galant saloons and five-door Coupes, built between 1993 and 1996.

However, Mitsubishi has warned that it will be “virtually impossible” to trace the owners of unofficial imports. A spokesman said: “Mitsubishi models imported to the UK through the non approved, 'grey' channel from Japan and the USA are all subject to the recall campaigns in tbeir country of origin. However, from past experience it is almost impossible to accurately trace UK owners of spurious imports.”

The fault is water penetration of the lateral lower steering arm ball joint which could cause corrosion and accelerate wear. But Mitsubishi says in Europe, where cars are regularly serviced and older vehicles subject to annual MoT tests, no cases of excessive wear have been found.

UK customers will be written to during April outlining the recall programme and asked to take their car to a Mitsubishi dealer for a free check. Any car found to have excessive wear of joints due to water penetration will have the units changed. Joints not changed will be sealed with anti-corrosion material.

Mitsubishi recalled 1m vehicles globally last year after it was found to have covered up customer complaints for 30 years.