US car maker General Motors (GM) has stopped the sale of eight of its 2013 models due to a software problem that affects the vehicles' OnStar communication system.

The affected models include the Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox and Volt, Cadillac XTS, ATS and SRX, Buick Verano and GMC Terrain.

GM spokesman Alan Adler was quoted by Reuters saying that "There are about 60,000 affected cars across the U.S. dealerships and they should be repaired next week."

OnStar is an in-vehicle service which links drivers to live operators who can offer directions or summon emergency help after an accident.

The crash response system will automatically contact an operator if a car is hit who will then call the vehicle.

In addition to 2013 models, sales of the 2012 Cadillac SRX have also been stopped.