A POTENTIAL brake fault has caused one of the biggest recalls in Holden's history.
The company is recalling 51,387 of its Korean-built Captiva, Barina, Epica and Viva models after the Korean arm of General Motors found corrosion issues in the brake control unit.
The official recall notice said this could lead to reduced brake performance or a "spongy" low brake pedal.
Unusually the recall applies to four different types of vehicle from a light city car to a family SUV.
All were built before last year.
GM Holden spokesperson Kate Lonsdale said there have been no incidents of this occurring in Australia.
"It has come from a GM Korea initiated recall, we've not actually picked up the condition here," she said.
"One of the reasons is the brake fluid that we use, or if you get it serviced at Holden dealer, the recommended brake fluid has not been found to cause the condition."
The recall covers 8195 model-year Barina hatches and sedans, 27,778 Series I Captiva SUVs, 3723 Epica sedans and 11,691 Vivas.
"We haven't seen the condition here, but there is still the potential so we want to bring the cars in to double-check as a precautionary measure," Ms Lonsdale said.
Owners are advised to contact Holden to organise a free check on their vehicle. This is one of the biggest recalls in the company's history. In early 2008 Holden had to recall 88,000 VE Commodore and WM long-wheelbase models to fix a fuel lines in the engine compartment.
In late 1996 Holden recalled 75,000 Commodores after automatic transmission problem led to several cars catching fire.
Holden will be contacting registered owners by mail but owners are advised to contact a Holden dealer or call the Holden Recall and Rework Assistance Line on 1800 632 826 for more information.