The faulty part is not an engine component as such but, rather, is an engine bolt. Honda say that the fault may cause problems with the engine's cooling system which could cause overheating and, in the worst cases, cause the engine to stop without warning.

So far this year, Honda says, 63 customers have reported the fault but none have resulted in accidents.

The company says that the cars are safe to drive so long as the temperature is monitored and cars are parked if they overheat.

A free repair is offered and will take approximately 40 minutes to complete at authorised dealers.

The cars affected are the Stream and the 1.6 and 1.8 litre versions of the Civic manufactured from 2008 to 2010