Volvo recalls 116,000 vehicles

Volvo is recalling 116,000 of its S80 cars worldwide in order to correct a potential fault in its front suspension.

About 5,500 cars in the UK are expected to be recalled, out of the 6,500 cars sold since the car was launched in 1998.

Only one car in the UK has demonstrated the fault and there was no resulting injury, the company said.

The car firm, part of the Ford Motor Company, needs to change a ball-and-socket joint which tests show could snap out under "unfavourable conditions".

"Our experience suggests that frequently driving on unmade road surfaces is a contributor to the problem," the company said.

The recall is of models built in 1999 and 2000.

It also affects about 700 of the new V70 model built in 2000.

Owners can have the ball-and-socket joint in the front wheel suspension changed free of charge.

Further details of the timing of the recall will be made available once Volvo dealers have the equipment to carry out the repairs, the company said.