Nissan is under pressure to recall the UK's best-selling pick-up truck after owners posted images of their vehicles snapping in half because of rust.

Dozens of drivers have complained to the Japanese car giant but no official recall has been made of the popular Nissan Navara.

The manufacturer has known about the problem - of rust weakening the chassis so much that it can snap in two - for a year.

The manufacturer has known about the problem - of rust weakening the chassis so much that it can snap in two - for a year

Navara owner Richy Holmes was driving his pregnant wife and daughter aged four in Scotland when his vehicle's chassis separated.

The 50-year-old from Sunderland said it was a 'disgrace' and that the family were lucky he was only driving at a few miles an hour at the time.

The major fault on the Navara D40 model also affects some of the seven-seat version of the vehicle, Pathfinder R51s.

Huw ­Merriman, a Tory MP, plans to raise drivers' complaints to the Transport Select Committee.

He told the Sun: 'To reassure the public, Nissan would be well advised to recall all affected vehicles.

'If, as they say, there are only a small amount impacted then it shouldn't be a costly exercise in ensuring that these vehicles really are safe to be on the road.'

The rust problem affects Nissan Navara D40s manufactured in Spain between 2005 to 2008. Although some drivers of newer trucks say they have also been affected.

Nissan offers a free inspection if drivers are concerned about their vehicle.

Attwood Solicitors is working on behalf of hundreds of owners in the UK.

The major fault on the Navara D40 model also affects some of the seven-seat version of the vehicle, Pathfinder R51s

Huw ­Merriman, a Tory MP, plans to raise drivers' complaints to at the Transport Select Committee

Nissan offers a free inspection if drivers are concerned about their vehicle

The law firm said up to 35,000 Navaras are affected in the UK and 193,500 worldwide - claims which Nissan 'strongly disputes'.

A spokesman for Nissan said it was a much smaller number of vehicles which were affected.

Nissan added it had know about the problem a year ago.

A statement from Nissan sent to MailOnline read: 'We're aware of the issue in a relatively small number of previous generation Navara's (D40) and have taken action.

'We've put measures in place to quickly resolve the concerns of any customers who have contacted us about this.

'Nissan is backing customers even though the affected vehicles are up to 12 years old.

'Depending on the age of the vehicle, these measures include a free and independent inspection of the vehicle where appropriate on older vehicles, if that inspection shows there's an issue, we'll do the right thing by the customer under our warranty and customer service policies.'

Any concerned customers should contact the Nissan GB Care team on 0330 123 1231.