Volvo’s Extensive Vehicle Recall: What You Need to Know
Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a significant recall by Swedish luxury car manufacturer Volvo. Over 410,000 vehicles sold in the United States are being recalled due to a software defect that causes rearview cameras to malfunction, ultimately failing to meet federal safety standards.
Models Affected by the Recall
The recall concerns numerous models, including the 2023 through 2025 S60 sedans, V60 wagons, V60 Cross Country, S90, and V90 Cross Country models. Additionally, the recall includes some XC40, XC60, and XC90 models, as well as the electric C40, all manufactured between 2021 and 2025. This widespread issue affects cars across multiple production years.
The Root Cause of the Problem
The defect originates from the infotainment system integrated with Google software, which fails to display the rearview camera feed when the vehicle is in reverse. This issue violates a federal mandate requiring rearview cameras in all cars sold in the U.S. since 2018.
Existing Safety Features Still Operational
Despite the defect, other safety features like parking assist alerts, rear automatic braking, and cross-traffic alerts remain fully operational. Drivers encountering the issue will see a “Camera Unavailable” message on their center display.
Volvo’s Response and Actions
Volvo first identified this issue in 2021, with 57 similar incidents reported. On March 26, 2025, Volvo began investigating the problem and decided to initiate a recall by April 30. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries have been reported due to this defect.
Vehicles subject to the recall will receive a software update either at a dealership or via an over-the-air update for certain models. Volvo dealerships have been informed, and owners will be notified by mail starting June 24.
The Implications of Software Reliance in Modern Vehicles
This recall underscores the growing dependence of modern vehicles on technology and software. Even minor software glitches or updates can significantly affect vehicle performance. For instance, Chinese company Xiaomi faced backlash when it reduced vehicle horsepower through an over-the-air update.
Similarly, Stellantis recently recalled 49,000 Alfa Romeo and Dodge vehicles due to rearview camera issues, highlighting the recurring nature of technical problems in automotive systems. Rearview cameras are a federally mandated safety feature designed to minimize accidents during reverse driving.
Conclusion
Volvo’s proactive recall reflects the company’s commitment to safety and compliance with federal standards. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that software plays in modern vehicles, as well as the importance of swift corrective actions in maintaining consumer trust.