The recall exercise affects some 29,299 cars worldwide, of which 536 have been known to be sold in the USA and 6700 in the UK. The specific models affected are the 2010 model year C30, S40 and V50 with the 6-speed manual transmission.

According to the company, the gearshift lever stud assembly may not have been tightened to the correct specification during assembly which may lead to the ball-joint coming loose. If this occurs, it may not be possible to engage, disengage or shift gears.

Volvo has asked its dealers to torque the gearshift lever stud assembly to the correct specification for the cars at no extra cost, with the recall exercise set to begin this month. Owners of the affected cars are encouraged to contact their Volvo dealers for more information.