Volvo Cars is a Swedish automaker, now owned by the Chinese multinational automotive company Geely. Volvo sells sedans, coupes, convertibles, and versatile vehicles around the world. Sales of Volvos in the United States are handled through Geely subsidiary Volvo Cars USA, LLC (Volvo USA).
Volvo is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, generating over $280 billion in revenue in 2021 alone. The automaker intends to sell primarily electric vehicles in the future, viewing electric cars as the future. Volvos are marketed as reliable, progressive vehicles that last “for life.” Unfortunately, Volvo’s cars do not always live up to their lofty ideals.
Volvo vehicles have been subject to a number of serious recalls covering dangerous defects.
Even just over the past couple of years, Volvo has been forced to undergo several recalls concerning issues such as faulty brakes, defective fuel pumps, and dangerous airbag failures. Check your vehicle identification number on Volvo’s website or the NHTSA website to determine if your Volvo is or was subject to a recall.
If you own or lease a Volvo with a serious defect, if your Volvo is or has been subject to a recall, or if you were injured because of a defective Volvo, you have valuable legal rights. Call the Lemon Law attorney at Nita Lemon Law Firm today for advice and representation.
Defective Brake Systems: 2023 Volvo S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40
In March 2023, Volvo USA issued a recall addressing a problem with around 27,500 Volvo vehicles. The brake control module was prone to a software malfunction, which could lead to a loss of the anti-lock brake system, electronic stability control, and traction control. These brake support functions give drivers control during inclement weather or road conditions, as well as when slowing down; loss of these support systems can wrest control from the driver and greatly increase the risk of a crash.
Owner notification letters concerning the defective brakes should have been mailed in mid-March and a free software update should have been installed. Owners and lessees of the covered vehicles should check with Volvo customer service to ensure their vehicles received the proper update and consult a dealership if not.
Engine and Battery Failure: 2022-2023 Volvo S60, V60, S90L, XC60, and XC90
In December 2022, Volvo issued a recall covering more than 15,600 vehicles due to an issue with the engine and battery. The recall identifies a problem with the electronic control module; a software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, which can lead to a loss of drive power as the high-voltage power becomes depleted. If the car loses drive power in the middle of a trip, the driver could lose control and wind up in an accident. Owners should have been notified by mid-December about a free software upgrade at Volvo dealerships.
Air Bag Explosion: 2001-2007 V70 and XC70, 2001-2006 S80, and 2001-2009 S60
In December 2021, Volvo undertook a massive recall covering close to 200,000 V70 crossovers and XC70 wagons. The recall addressed an alarming problem with the covered vehicles: The driver-side airbag inflator has a risk of explosion upon deployment. The explosion can be caused by the degradation of the air bag’s propellant, particularly after long-term exposure to high heat, humidity, or temperature cycling.
Volvo issued a recall concerning the same defect in around 260,000 model years 2001-2006 S80 and 2001-2009 S60 vehicles in November 2021.
If the airbag explodes upon deployment, it will not only fail to protect the driver during a crash; it could shoot metal shards into the vehicle, striking the driver and other vehicle occupants. The risk of serious injury or worse with such a dangerously defective airbag is extremely high.
Drivers should have been notified in December 2021 about the defect and can contact a Volvo dealership for a replacement airbag.
Fuel Pump Failure: 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90
In August 2021, Volvo recalled over 85,500 model years 2019-2020 V90, XC60, S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90CC, S90L, and XC90 vehicles in connection with a faulty fuel pump. The installed low-pressure fuel pump was prone to blowing a fuse, which can lead to fuel pump failure. If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle could stall mid-drive. A stalled vehicle in the middle of a trip can lead to a serious crash. Owners and lessees can contact Volvo customer service or take their vehicle to a Volvo dealership for a free replacement fuse.
Call Nita Lemon Law for Help With Claims Concerning a Defective Volvo
If you bought or leased a defective Volvo car, hatchback, convertible, or any other faulty car in California, you are entitled to get the product you paid for or get your money back. If you or someone you care about was hurt because of a dangerously defective product, you have the right to seek compensation, and the right to seek justice. The California Lemon Law team at Nita Lemon Law Firm is ready to protect you, your family, and your rights.
