Nearly 12,000 Volvo S80, XC60, and XC70 models recalled over stall concerns

A software glitch is responsible for 11,993 Volvo models being recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The campaign includes model year 2008-2010 S80 models, 2010 S60 models, 2009-2010 XC70 models, and the 2010 XC60, all running faulty software in their central electronic modules (CEM). According to NHTSA, the signal from the CEM may fail to reach the fuel pump electronic module (PEM), inhibiting the fuel from reaching the engine even as the vehicle's throttle is depressed.

Normally, this would just result in an engine that fails to start. However, residual pressure in the system may allow the vehicles in question to drive a short distance before the engine quits... and if the vehicle stalls in certain conditions, a crash could occur. Affected owners are asked to contact NHTSA (888-327-4236 ) or Volvo (800-458-1552), to see if their vehicle requires a free software update to remedy the problem. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model / Model Year(s):

VOLVO / S80 2008-2010
VOLVO / XC60 2010
VOLVO / XC70 2009-2010

Manufacturer: VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC.
Mfr's Report Date: AUG 28, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V343000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: SOFTWARE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 11993

Summary:

VOLVO IS RECALLING MY 2008-2010 S80, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2010 XC60 VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE SOFTWARE WITHIN THE CENTRAL ELECTRONIC MODULE (CEM) MAY NOT SEND A SIGNAL TO THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRONIC MODULE (PEM). THIS MISSING SIGNAL TO THE PEM INHIBITS THE START OF THE FUEL PUMP. THE DRIVER MAY BE ABLE TO START THE ENGINE IN SPITE OF THE FUEL PUMP NOT BEING ACTIVATED DUE TO RESIDUAL PRESSURE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. IN SOME CASES, THE DRIVER MAY BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE A SHORT DISTANCE AT IDLE BUT THEN THE ENGINE MAY STALL.

Consequence:

IF THE VEHICLE STALLS IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE TO THE VEHICLES' CEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 31, 2009. VEHICLES IN DEALERS¿ INVENTORY WILL BE REPAIRED PRIOR TO DELIVERY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Notes:

VOLVO RECALL NO. R215. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .