Mini bosses were last night praised for their “decisive and prompt” action in issuing a worldwide recall of 235,000 cars.

Drivers were also yesterday re-assured over safety following the decision to recall the Oxford-made models over a fire risk.

Bosses are contacting owners of Cooper S and John Cooper Works models built between 2006 and 2011 after technical tests revealed a problem with the water pump attached to the turbo charger.

BMW, parent firm of Cowley-based MINI, said that in extreme cases high temperatures can cause the part to fail and “the possibility of a fire cannot be excluded”.

To date, BMW has investigated four fires linked to the problem in cars globally, one in the UK.

MINI spokesman Sarah Heaney said: “It is an issue identified through quality control checks.

“The possibility of a fire is very rare and we are not aware of any accidents or injuries as a result.”

Ms Heaney added BMW was “not discussing” how much replacement of the part would cost the company.

All 235,000 affected models worldwide are being recalled – including 30,000 in the UK – with the part being replaced free of charge.

It should take about an hour to fit, according to the firm.

Ms Heaney said: “We really don’t want customers to be concerned.

“They should wait until they receive a letter from their dealer and then make an appointment for the part to be replaced.”

Leigh Hopkins has owned a 2007 Cooper S for about a year and has had no problems with it.

The mechanic, who is a co-owner of the East Oxford Garage in Transport Way, Cowley, regularly works on Minis and said he could vouch for their safety.

He said: “Generally they are pretty good cars and I have not heard of any major problems with the Cooper S.

“I am not worried about it. Cars can catch fire for lots of reasons. This sort of thing does not happen very often and the company is being responsible about it.”

Nathan King, sales manager at North Oxford MINI in Long Hanborough, said customers had been getting in touch for information.

He added: “A process is in place and there is no need to worry.

“If anyone is concerned then we will have a look at the vehicle.”

Rupert Younger, director of the Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation, said BMW’s decisive move to make the recall would minimise damage to the MINI brand.

He added: “Consumers understand recalls can happen – the key is transparency and speed.

“If you can react quickly and credibly with transparency, as it looks like here, reputational damage can be limited and reputations can even be enhanced.

“It looks like BMW is being very responsible.”

It is not the first time Minis have been recalled over a fire risk.

Shortly after the car was launched in 2011, the 500 cars that were on the road were recalled over fears that static electricity in the fuel filler neck could lead to a small explosion.