A modern feature being touted in new vehicles relates to the driver support systems. By now you’ve more than likely seen the commercials: a driver gets in an accident and while shaken up, the driver support systems in the vehicle lets the driver know that emergency personnel have been notified and are on the way. It’s an amazing touch of innovation, and it very well may have influenced your most recent car purchase.
Of course, for this piece of technology to function properly, the GPS software system within the vehicle needs to be up to date and fully operational. If not, emergency personnel may not be notified or sent to the wrong location, a situation that could prove incredibly dangerous in a severe accident where the driver is incapacitated or expecting and waiting for driver support-notified EMTs to arrive on the scene.
Such a critical piece of your vehicle’s software needs to be performing at an optimum level, which means that any recall involving your telematics of driver support systems is absolutely necessary to address and correct.
For Volvo owners, this piece of information is particularly relevant. An open recall was just recently issued by the Swedish-headquartered, Chinese-owned automotive manufacturer pertaining to malfunctions with the driver support systems. It is estimated that around 17,500 Volvo vehicles from the model years 2017 through 2019 are affected by the recall.
The recall is said to apply to the Volvo XC40, XC60 and XC90 SUVS, as well as S90 sedans, V60, V90 and their Cross Country counterparts. The XC-series vehicles represent the largest current division of Volvo sales. On the year to date, the XC40 has sold 58,111 units, representing nearly 12% of all Volvo sales on the year. The long-heralded V series has equally remained a force for the Volvo brand, meaning that for Volvo owners it’s very important to check in to see if their vehicle is part of the recall as many of the most popular models are affected.
This is one of the largest recalls for the Volvo brand since their 2017 recall on certain 2017 XC90, S90 and V90 vehicles. The recall at that time pertained to the bolts that secure the Inflatable Curtain airbags in place, of which were being reported as susceptible to breaking and resulting in the airbag deploying improperly during a crash.
If you are an owner of one of the aforementioned Volvo vehicles, you should be prudent in checking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website to see if your vehicle is affected. It is also recommended to follow the instructions below to find more information about other open recalls standing for your household or company vehicles and take the necessary steps to have the manufacturer fix the error on your vehicle and get you back on the road driving safely.
The Details of the Volvo XC40, XC60 and XC90 Recall
In the event that you are the owner of one of the following Volvo vehicles, it is entirely possible that your car could be a part of the XC40, XC60 and XC90 recall, and you should follow these steps to contact the manufacturer and figure out when you can take your vehicle into a local dealership to have the error corrected. The list of vehicles includes 17,500 2017-2019 Volvo XC40, XC60 and XC90 SUVs; S90 sedans, and V60 and V90 wagons. A specific list of models in question includes:
- 2017-2019 Volvo XC90
- 2017-2019 Volvo S90
- 2017-2019 Volvo V60
- 2017-2019 Volvo V60 Cross Country
- 2017-2019 Volvo V90
- 2017-2019 Volvo XC40
- 2017-2019 Volvo XC60
- 2017-2019 Volvo V90 Cross Country
This specifically pertains to vehicles built prior to October 30, 2018, as this is the date that the new updated GPS software was installed in new production models.
What’s the Reason for the Recall?
Volvo received complaints related to vehicles sending the wrong GPS data in October 2018, an issue that Volvo is reported to state as “critical”. A software deviation was discovered in the vehicle connectivity modules that affect certain telematics and driver support features, as well as causing illuminated warning lights when initially starting the vehicle.
This software error specifically can impact the GPS system, creating a situation in which the GPS will not provide relevant or accurate location information to emergency personnel and first responders in the event of a car accident. This can, in turn, affect critical response times in situations of severe injury.
What Will the Fix Require From the Dealership?
Volvo will begin to notify vehicle owners affected by the XC40, XC60, and XC90 recall on January 7, 2019. The manufacturer will direct owners to local dealerships to have the software updated, corrected, and back safely on the road.
What Will the Fix Require From the Vehicle Owner?
Only your time. Volvo will perform the necessary software update at no cost to Volvo vehicle owners at a local Volvo dealership.
How to Contact the Manufacturer to Learn if Your Vehicle is Part of the Recall
Owners of the aforementioned 2017-2019 XC40, XC60 and XC90 recall vehicles, as well as S90 sedans, V60 and V90 wagons should contact Volvo at 800-458-1552. Owners can then contact their local Volvo dealership to set up an appointment time to correct the recall.
Volvo Recall Number: R39917
How to Check to See If Your Vehicle Has an Open Recall Notice
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website will provide further information if your vehicle, whether it’s a Volvo or other make, currently has an open recall notification that necessitates your attention to address it.
To search on the site, go to the recall page and type in the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) located on the lower left of your car’s windshield. You VIN may also be located inside the driver’s side door in some makes and models, as well as on your car’s registration card and occasionally shown on your vehicle insurance card.
Once you plug in your car’s 17-digit VIN on the NHTSA website, if a recall does not appear on the screen then your vehicle is currently free of any open recalls. However, automakers frequently issue safety recalls on vehicles. It is prudent for you to regularly check back on the site to see if your vehicle has any new open recalls that could be affecting the safety or performance of your motor vehicle.
What to Do if Your Car Isn’t Recalled
If your vehicle is having issues but does not meet the criteria of the above recall, you may have a lemon. Contact our California lemon law attorney, by calling (310) 295-1888, Brett Shainfeld, to see if your claim qualifies and get the help you need.