Ford has delayed deliveries of its new Puma compact SUV due to a fault with an airbag component.

The driver’s airbag retention spring was found to be “outside of Ford Motor Company manufacturing specification” on some examples, according to Autocar.

All models will be recalled and no further deliveries will take place until the issue is rectified.

A statement issued by Ford says: "Under certain conditions, it is possible that the airbag is not retained in the steering wheel after it has been deployed. The performance of the airbag in case of an accident with airbag deployment will still meet regulatory requirements and provides sufficient protection for the driver.

"Ford has issued a sales hold of all affected vehicles in dealer stock and will immediately exchange the airbag retention spring. A safety recall of all affected vehicles with customers will follow immediately."

The Puma was available to order in October 2019, with the first vehicles arriving in the UK in January.

Prices start at £20,845 for the Fiesta-based Nissan Juke rival. Ford has not confirmed when deliveries will recommence.

Read our review of the new Ford Puma here.