Volvo Recalls Cars, SUVs Because Safety Systems May Not Work
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site.
Owners of newer Volvos may need to visit their dealers for a safety-related software update. The automaker is recalling over 120,000 vehicles from the 2019 and 2020 model years because their automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems with pedestrian detection might not recognize obstacles. As a result, a crash could occur that otherwise might have been prevented.
Almost every Volvo car built between November 2018 and March 2020 is affected, including the XC40, XC60, and XC90 SUVs; S60 and S90 sedans; and V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, and V90 Cross Country station wagons.
Volvo spokesman Jim Nichols told CR that there have been no reports of incidents or injuries because of the problem.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: Volvo S60 and S90 sedans; V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, and V90 Cross Country station wagons; and XC40, XC60, and XC90 SUVs. The vehicles were built between Nov. 9, 2018, and March 11, 2020.
The problem: Volvo started using new hardware for its AEB system, but that equipment might not be compatible with the software installed on certain vehicles built before March 2020. As a result, the AEB system might not detect objects or pedestrians.
The fix: Volvo dealers will update the incompatible software, free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Volvo will start contacting owners of affected vehicles in May. Owners may also contact Volvo at 800-458-1552.
NHTSA campaign number: 20V144. Volvo’s own number for this recall is R29998.
Check to see whether your vehicle has recall: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
More from Consumer Reports:
Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
7 best mattresses for couples
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2020, Consumer Reports, Inc.
