Ineos Automotive, the vehicle manufacturer backed by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has issued a recall for more than 7,000 Ineos Grenadier SUVs in the United States due to a potential door latch malfunction.
The recall, affecting vehicles produced between 6 July 2023 and 19 April 2024, addresses a defect where exterior door release buttons may remain depressed, preventing the doors from fully latching.
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The issue, attributed to "insufficient application of grease" during assembly, poses a risk of doors opening while the vehicle is in motion, potentially increasing passenger injury, according to the company and a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) filing.
"Due to insufficient application of grease, an exterior door release button may remain in the depressed position, preventing the door from closing securely," a company spokesperson said.
Ineos Automotive will replace all affected door button assemblies free of charge to rectify the issue.
"We are undertaking a campaign to replace the door lock mechanisms on all affected vehicles as quickly as possible. Owners of all impacted vehicles are being contacted directly," Ineos confirmed.
This recall marks the latest challenge for the fledgling manufacturer.
Last year, Grenadier production was temporarily halted due to the insolvency of a parts supplier, resuming again in January.
Financial filings reveal Ineos Automotive recorded a pre-tax loss of over €1.4 billion (£1.1bn, $1.5bn) in 2023.
The Grenadier, launched in 2022 and inspired by the classic Land Rover Defender, represents Ineos Automotive's inaugural vehicle. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's decision to establish the company stemmed from his dissatisfaction with Jaguar Land Rover's discontinuation of the Defender.
Despite initial hopes for UK in Bridgend, the Grenadier is assembled in France at the former production site of the Smart car.
Ineos Automotive says that there are approximately 20,000 Grenadiers currently in operation across the world.
