Ford is contacting owners of the new Mondeo to check for a possible fault with the cruise control system. Nearly 5,600 cars in the UK are affected and in a few cases the cruise control could fail to disengage.

The problem does not affect diesel versions of the car, and no accidents relating to the fault have been reported. However, it comes only weeks after Ford issued guidance to drivers on correct application of the handbrake following incidents where cars had moved after being parked.

Ford wants Mondeo drivers to ensure the car has been checked by dealers before using the cruise control, and cars currently ordered will be checked before being delivered.