Volvo recalls 59,000 cars including 7,000 in UK over fault that shuts off engine while driving

The company said five diesel models from its 60 and 70 series were affected

The Volvo logo is seen during the 83rd Geneva Motor Show on March 6, 2013 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Getty Images)

Volvo is recalling 7,000 cars in the UK over a fault that can briefly shut down cars’ engines and electric systems while driving.

They are among 59,000 vehicles being recalled in 40 markets around the world, mainly in Britain, Sweden and Germany.

Stefan Elfstrom, a spokesperson for the Swedish car manufacturer, said the alert affects only five diesel models from its 60 and 70 series built from mid-2015 - the S60, V60, XC60, V70 and XC70.

He said the glitch would be “barely noticeable” if motorists were travelling at speed as both the engine and electrics would re-start immediately.

The new Volvo V60 is one of the models affected

Mr Elfstrom admitted the fault can be “unpleasant” but said the company has no information about any accidents.

Volvo has started writing to affected car owners, who will be asked to contact their local dealership for the fault to be fixed for free.

The brand, which was bought by Chinese company Geely Holding in 2010, said the problem’s root cause had been identified and was being solved with a software update.

It comes days after Toyota recalled 2.9 million 4x4s, mainly in the US, over a seatbelt defect.

Additional reporting by agencies