Volvo recalls over 700,000 vehicles

24 March 2020

Volvo is recalling 736,430 vehicles globally due to an issue with their automatic emergency-braking (AEB) system. This might not always engage in certain situations or temperatures, potentially increasing the risk of a collision.

′This means that the AEB system may not brake the car as intended for certain objects, pedestrians and cyclists. However, in the case of pedestrians and cyclists, the system will always provide a visual and audible Forward Collision Warning, as well as braking support', Volvo said in a statement sent to Autovista Group.

The fault looks to be caused by missing software code, according to a document from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US. ′Due to the missing software code, the Active Safety Domain Master is not fully compatible with the new hardware that was introduced,' it states.

Which vehicles?

The issue affects vehicles produced since 2019; namely the Volvo XC40, S60, V60, XC60, S90, V90 and XC90. According to Volvo, these cars are safe to use as the regular braking system is not affected by the AEB issue and has ′full functionality'.

′We have no reports of any incidents or personal injuries connected to this issue', Volvo clarified in the statement.

To combat the issue, Volvo is contacting the owners of all affected cars, asking them to get in touch with their retailers so they can get the necessary software updated, free of charge. All vehicles are also still under the Volvo factory warranty.

′This is a preventative recall to avoid potential future problems. We have also introduced correct software in the production of new cars.'