Volvo is recalling 71,000 vehicles worldwide to fix driveability problems caused by petrol leaks into the engine. No fires have resulted and Volvo says the recall, which includes 8000 UK cars, is a precautionary measure.

The Swedish carmaker has sent letters to the owners of 2003 and 2004 model year V40s and S40s asking them to take the cars to their local dealer.

Garages will be able to fix the problem by installing a securing clamp to prevent further leakage. Analyst Datamonitor says the recall is unlikely to have an immediate effect on Volvo car sales but it may reduce customer confidence.

“Volvo's reputation is very much based around safety and reliability,” says a spokesman. “It is certain that the company cannot trivialise this recall problem.”