Volvo recalls 59,000 five-cylinder diesel cars, including more than 7,000 in UK

Volvo is recalling 59,000 cars over faulty software that can briefly shut down the engine - including more than 7,000 in the UK.

The recall affects five-cylinder diesel models S60, V60, XC60, V70 and XC70 built from mid-2015.

Owners of the Swedish cars are being sent letters directly, asking them to take their vehicles to their local dealership for a 30-minute no-fee fix.

The cars are being recalled across 40 markets, but those affected have been sold mainly in Sweden, Britain and Germany.

Group spokesman Stefan Elfstrom told Associated Press that the glitch can be "unpleasant" but the company has no information about any accidents caused as a result.

Both the engine and electric system start up again immediately.