Volvo has recalled nearly three-quarters of a million cars following a potential fault with their autonomous braking system.

The safety recall affects 736,430 worldwide - including 56,368 located in the UK.

The fault was discovered by the Danish motoring body FDM in late 2019 during a test of various advanced driver assistance systems.

It found the autonomous emergency braking in a tested Volvo XC60, which would normally automatically cut in to avoid a collision, did not function.

Further testing by Volvo then revealed the same issue in the system across all its models.

The Swedish manufacturer said that a software fault relating to the windscreen-mounted sensor was to blame and it was recalling affected vehicles to implement a software update.

The fault means that the system, which is designed to spot cyclists and pedestrians as well as other vehicles, might not activate when required, posing a risk of collision. However, Volvo has said there have been no reports of any crashes or injuries relating to the fault.

Which Volvo models are affected?

The recall relates to all Volvo models built since January 21, 2019.

They include:

  • XC40
  • XC60
  • XC90
  • S60
  • V60
  • S90
  • V90

Owners are being asked to contact their local dealer to have the remedial work carried out free of charge.

What have Volvo said about the recall?

A Volvo spokesperson said: "This support system – which is designed to brake the car automatically in specific conditions and only when a collision is imminent – may not function as intended in certain situations and in certain temperatures.

"This means that the AEB system may not brake the car as intended for certain objects, pedestrians and cyclists. However, in the case of pedestrians and cyclists, the system will always provide a visual and audible forward collision warning, as well as braking support.

"The affected cars are safe to use: the regular braking system in these cars is not affected by the AEB issue and has full functionality. We have no reports of any incidents or personal injuries connected to this issue."