Volvo Calls Back 2023 Cars Over Malfunctioning Brakes

There is some bad news for certain Volvo drivers.

The automaker has issued a recall for several 2023 models, citing a potential brakes problem. 

A software error could cause the automatic emergency braking system to engage unexpectedly, according to Volvo. Vehicles may slow down or come to a stop unnecessarily, posing a safety hazard.

“A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash,” Volvo said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The company added that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the current issue

The recall covers about 27,500 vehicles, including certain XC60, XC90, and V90 vehicles manufactured between June and November of 2022.

Volvo told NHTSA it plans to alert owners of recalled cars by March 15. The automaker will attempt to fix the defect through an over-the-air software update.

The Swedish carmaker has been hailed for its safety efforts. Volvo, in 2021, became the first auto manufacturer to receive the highest marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety across its entire model lineup. Volvo reached that status after the non-profit organization named the 2021 XC40 Recharge a “Top Safety Pick Plus.”

Still, this is not the first time that Volvo has had to recall vehicles over brake-related issues. In 2018, the company recalled roughly 200,000 vehicles over a problem with brake pedals.

Car Defects Put Lives at Risk

The Volvo recall is the latest sign that major auto manufacturers are still having a hard time ensuring that the cars they produce are actually safe to drive.

Volvo and other carmakers recall millions of vehicles around the globe every year. They often cite a broad range of defects that can increase the risk of accidents or make injuries more likely in the event of a crash.

California Car Owners: Know Your Rights

California car owners have some valuable rights when it comes to defective and malfunctioning vehicles. The state’s lemon law requires car manufacturers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. 

Also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the lemon law forces carmakers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or just refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

A manufacturer can instead offer to replace the vehicle under the law. It is up to the owner, however, to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement. 

An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options. The law forces manufacturers to pick up the tab for certain legal fees incurred by car owners while enforcing their rights.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.