BRUSSELS — Ineos Automotive, the vehicle maker owned by multi-billionaire businessman and Manchester United co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has recalled more than 7,000 of its sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the US.

The recall centers on latches that may not engage properly, which could lead to the doors on Grenadier SUVs opening while being driven "increasing the risk of injury to passengers inside the vehicle."

To fix the problem, Ineos says it will replace all door button assemblies on the affected vehicles, free of charge.

The recall is the latest issue faced by the car company, which last year had to temporarily pause manufacturing after one of its parts suppliers became insolvent.

The recall affects Ineos' Grenadier SUVs produced between 6 July 2023 and 19 April 2024.

The door button mechanism on affected vehicles may have been assembled without enough grease in them, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) filing.

"This may allow the exterior door buttons to remain in the depressed position and prevent the door from fully latching," the document said.

Launched in 2022, the Grenadier was the first vehicle produced by Ineos Automotive. It is inspired by the iconic Land Rover Defender.

Sir Jim's decision to start the car company was motivated by his disappointment over Jaguar Land Rover's decision to stop making the Defender.

In 2020, the entrepreneur, who had campaigned for Leave in the run-up to the 2016 Brexit referendum, announced that the vehicle would be assembled in France, putting an end to hopes that it would be made at a plant in Wales.

According to the company, there are currently about 20,000 Grenadiers on the road in 50 countries around the world.

Ineos Automotive lost more than 1.4 billion euros (£1.1bn, $1.5bn) before tax in 2023, according to a filing with the UK registry Companies House.

Sir Jim, who is one of the UK's richest people, owns a 27.7% stake in Manchester United. — BBC