BMW has announced it will recall a total of 235,000 Minis worldwide because of a fault with an electric water pump. Minis produced between March 2006 and January 2011 are affected by the problem, which could be a fire risk. BMW is offering to have the water pump replaced for free at a Mini dealership.

The Mini is made in Oxford, UK, with about 200,000 cars produced every year.

About 30,000 cars are thought to be affected in the UK where one fire incident is being investigated. However, there have been no reports of accidents or injuries resulting from the fault worldwide.

According to a BMW spokesman, there is "very low incidence" of the fault occurring and Minis remain safe to drive.

"In more extreme cases, it could create a heat build-up in the wiring and some smouldering. Potentially it could cause a fire," he said.

"We are not aware of any accidents or injuries connected with this. The important thing is that when people receive the letter, they simply go to their dealer and get a new water pump fitted if there is a problem."

The problem is thought to involve a computer circuit board which controls a turbocharger cooling system. A failure of the system can lead to smouldering of the water pump, possibly causing a fire in the engine.

A spokesman for motoring watchdog VOSA said: "I can confirm that VOSA has received two reports of fires to Mini Coopers and we are currently investigating it with the manufacturer."