Euro NCAP, the European body responsible for testing new cars, demanded the pick-up truck be recalled after it scored just one star out of a possible five in crash tests.

The tests found that the vehicles air bags did not open properly and its seatbelts did not provide adequate protection during a collision.

Nissan said it was “clearly disappointed” with the results but added it was also displeased that Euro NCAP had not published the results of the re-test in which the Navara was equipped with upgraded airbag control unit software.

All Navaras produced from launch in 2005 will now be returned to dealerships where the updated software will be applied to the vehicle.

“When the issue of the slightly delayed airbag deployment on model year 08 Navaras was identified we immediately developed a counter-measure,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, for Nissan in Europe.

“We also initiated a service campaign, inviting all owners to have updated software applied to the airbag control unit of their vehicle.

“We encourage Euro NCAP to publish the result of the Navara re-test as soon as they have it.”