Volvo Ireland confirmed yesterday that 1,500 Irish cars will be recalled as a result of a electronic motor problem. The recall affects S60, S70, V70 and V70 cross-country models.
Volvo has recalled 460,000 cars worldwide because of engine problems in a number of makes, it emerged yesterday.
The recall affects models which were manufactured between 1999 and 2001.
The company says it has identified a problem with the electronic fan cooling unit in the radiator which, if overheated, can short-circuit, possibly causing a fire in the engine.
A spokesman for Volvo said the company had succeeded in identifying the problem and had recalled the cars as a precaution.
He said the problem was more likely to occur in areas with warmer temperatures when driving slowly, for example, in rush-hour traffic.
Car-owners affected by the recall will be informed by letter and have their unit replaced free, it was confirmed yesterday.
One leading Dublin distributor of the Swedish-manufactured car said it had not been informed of the recall, but had already received a number of calls from customers. Around 150,000 Volvo cars will be recalled in the US, 75,000 in Sweden, 40,000 in Germany and 35,000 in Britain.
The recall will take place over the next number of months.