Rover has issued a “precautionary recall” for 20,000 flagship 75s worldwide - 8,552 in the UK - as EU officials cast fresh doubts over the future of its Longbridge plant.

The fault, which could result in the engine not starting or cutting out, followed news that Land Rover took back 4,000 Discovery vehicles due to a leak from a pipe in the engine compartment.

EU officials, examining the terms under which the UK Government's £152m aid package for Longbridge was offered, have proved highly sceptical about whether BMW seriously considered building an alternative in Hungary.

Stephen Byers, Trade and Industry Secretary, met EC Competition Commissioner Mario Monti in London to push for an early decision. He told Mr Monti the aid was necessary to persuade BMW to spend £1.5bn redeveloping Longbridge.