Saab and Volvo are recalling a number of cars with detachable hitches due to a fault in the locking device.
Saab estimate that 70 of their cars with the relevant hitches were sold in Ireland, while Volvo say that only 15 of their cars sold in Ireland are affected. The hitches were used on cars between August 1998 and May 2000 and the locking mechanism fault may cause the tow hitch to detach from the car.
According to Peter Boate, Volvo's customer relationship development manager, "the information we have received is that there are only 15 Volvos affected in the Irish market.
"But if there are any customers with a Volvo branded tow bar who are concerned, they can bring it to their dealer and have it checked."
The problem was first reported in Sweden, where 10,000 Volvos, 5,000 Saabs, and 2,000 Audi and Volkswagens are being recalled.
However, only Saab and Volvo used the part on cars sold outside Scandinavia.
Both firms are set to recall 21,000 cars outside Scandinavia.
The recall in Ireland is being handled through the Saab and Volvo dealer networks, rather than a national media campaign, which is being instigated in Britain where it is believed more than 1,000 cars are affected.