RENAULT is recalling 21,000 Lagunas and 34 Clios in the UK after discovering an electrical fault in the passenger airbag. Under certain circumstances, static electricity has caused the airbag to malfunction when the car is at a standstill. It can only happen when the driver steps out of the car and the static is earthed.

The vehicles being recalled were built between June and November last year and follow two incidents in France. A Renault spokesman said he was unaware of any incidents in the UK. Customers will be informed individually by mail and directed to their local dealership where checks will be carried out free of charge.