MORE than 8,500 Rover 75s - the car charged with rebuilding fleet confidence in the BMW-owned brand - have been recalled to correct an engine fault. The manufacturer says it is taking the worldwide action as a precautionary measure following a 'very low instance' of reports that the crankshaft position sensor unit could malfunction and cause the engine to cut out while it is being driven.

Build dates are from February 1, 1998, to October 8, 1999, which means that the recall includes pre-production models and a high proportion of 75s already in service in British fleets. Diesel-engined models are not affected. Two-litre and 2.5-litre V6 engines and the 1.8-litre petrol unit will have the original crankshaft position sensor replaced with a modified unit. The work will be carried out free in Rover dealerships and will take about half an hour.

A spokesman for the company said dealers worldwide had been fully briefed on the defect and that Rover was looking for 100% response to the recall. About 25,000 75s have been built at Cowley, and the range was officially launched in the UK in June, three months later than planned because of difficulties meeting BMW quality standards.