Volvo Recalls More Than 2 Million Vehicles for Seat Belt Defect
» Posted July 10, 2020 • Resources | Share This Post
Volvo Cars recently announced the brand’s largest-ever recall, calling back some 2.1 million vehicles because of a wiring issue that could affect seat belts.
A steel wire used in front seat belts in a variety of Volvo models is susceptible to wear and tear, the company said in a recent notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That, in turn, may make the belts ineffective in the event of a crash.
“The steel cable, which is mounted on the outboard side of the front seats and connected to the front seat belts, can overtime suffer from wear and fatigue if repeatedly bent over the seat cushion, this may result in permanent elongation,” Volvo told NHTSA in the notice. “Fatigue to the cable could lead to insufficient cable strength to support seat belt function during crash and in a worst-case could result in reduced or no seat belt restraint function.”
Roughly 300,000 of the total recalled cars were sold in the U.S., according to The Drive. That includes the Volvo S60, S60L, S60 Cross Country, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, V70, XC70, S80 and S80L made between 2006 and 2019.
Volvo told NHTSA that the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by the defect. It plans to replace seat belt fasteners on all affected vehicles.
Safety Hazards Posed by Vehicle Defects
This may be Volvo’s largest recall, but it is not the first time that the Swedish carmaker has had to take another look at vehicles because of serious defects.
The company recalled some 500,000 cars last year because of an engine problem that could cause the vehicles to catch fire. Volvo recalled approximately 370,000 cars in 2018, citing electronic hatch trunk issues in some cars and a fuel line crack in others that Volvo said could eventually cause leaks.
The good news for car owners and lessors in California is that the state’s lemon law requires manufacturers to make certain repairs to vehicles while they are under warranty. A manufacturer who refuses or is unable to make those repairs is obligated to buy the car back or replace it.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Lawyer
If you are a car owner or lessor who is grappling with a manufacturer over repairs, an experienced California lemon law lawyer can help. A lawyer can help you weigh your rights and options to ensure that the carmaker is held fully accountable.
At the Bickel Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state. We work tirelessly to get the people we represent the compensation they deserve.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law lawyer today.
