Car maker, Volvo has recalled 460,000 cars worldwide because of a engine problems in a number of makes, it emerged today.
The recall affects the S60, S80, V70 and XC70 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 told ireland.comthe company had succeeded in identifying the problem and have recalled the cars as a precaution.
He said the problem is more likely to occur in areas with warmer temperatures when driving slow, for example in rush-hour traffic.
Car owners will be informed by a letter and have their unit replaced free of charge, he said.
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 from the US, 75,000 from Sweden, 40,000 from Germany and 35,000 from Britain. Figures were not available for Ireland.