Citroen Australia has recalled the Citroen C3 and Citroen DS3 city cars to correct a defect with the vehicles’ anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability program (ESP) operation.

The fault was discovered during accelerated lifetime endurance testing and affects less than one per cent of C3 and DS3 production around the world. A total of 42 vehicles in Australia are affected by the recall.

The official recall notice published on the Australia Competition & Consumer Commission’s website explains:

“On affected vehicles, one of the components of the hydraulic ABS/ESP block may have a non-conformity in comparison to the manufacturer’s required specifications.

“This non-conformity may affect the operation of the ABS/ESP system. This may result in reduced steering control whilst braking.”

Citroen’s Australian distributor Ateco Automotive says no examples of the fault have been found locally and there has been no failures in service.

Recalled vehicles will be checked to see if their ABS software is correct, which takes about six minutes. If a fault is found, the upgrade takes around two and a half hours to complete.

All recall services will be conducted at no cost to customers. Owners are encouraged to contact an authorised Citroen dealer to arrange the service.

Sales of the Citroen DS3 have more than doubled to 111 units so far this year on the back of price cuts and powertrain upgrades introduced in October 2011. The entry-level C3 continues to be a slow seller, with just 54 units delivered in 2012.