Volvo issues worldwide recall of S80 car

Late model Volvo S80s are being recalled worldwide

GOTHENBURG, Sweden -- Swedish carmaker Volvo is recalling 116,000 of its S80 models worldwide because of a problem with the front wheel suspension.

The carmaker, announcing the recall on Thursday, said the models affected were built in 1999 and 2000.

As well as the S80, about 700 of the new V70 models built in 2000 are also affected, the company said.

The company said that it was asking owners to bring their cars into a workshop to have a ball-and-socket joint in the front wheel suspension changed free of charge.

Tests had shown that under "unfavourable conditions" the joint could snap out, a spokesman said.

In a statement to CNN, Volvo said: "Volvo Car Corporation has decided to recall approximately 116,000 1999 and 2000 model year S80s world-wide for replacement of the ball joint between the front wheel pin and the suspension link arm.

"The cars will be recalled because Volvo has determined that the ball joint may have a short life resulting in play in the joint and, at worst, a broken ball joint.

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

"Details of the timing of the launch of the recall campaign will be made available as soon as the necessary equipment needed for our dealers to carry out the repair is available in their workshops."

Volvo Cars was bought by US carmaker Ford in January 1999 and is incorporated under Ford Europe, which is based in Cologne.

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