The NHTSA’s move comes nearly two weeks after we reported on an XC90 crash caused by brake failure
- The NHTSA is telling some Volvo owners to “immediately” update their vehicle’s software.
- A previous update can prevent the braking system from working for nearly two minutes.
- The government released scary dashcam footage showing a brake failure cause an accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued an urgent warning aimed at 11,469 Volvo owners. The government is telling them to stop what they’re doing and “immediately complete an important over-the-air safety recall.”
This is a rare move, but roughly 1,000 owners have not installed the latest over-the-air update, which was issued in response to a recall last month. That recall impacted plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles from the 2020-2026 model years.
Exclusive: My Volvo Lost Brakes And Crashed After Software Update
This includes the 2023 C40, 2025 EC40, 2025-2026 EX40, 2023-2025 S60, 2025 S90, 2024-2025 V60, 2023-2024 XC40, 2022-2026 XC60, and 2020-2026 XC90. That’s a dizzying array of vehicles and the government noted, “in certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using ‘B mode’ or ‘One Pedal Drive,’ the vehicle may lose brake function.”
That’s terrifying and the safety recall report noted the loss of braking will last for at least 1 minute and 40 seconds. This significantly increases the risk of a crash and “pressing the brake pedal may remove braking functionality entirely.”
To hammer home the dangers, the NHTSA released dashcam video showing a “serious incident.” We originally brought you the same footage earlier this month and it shows an XC90 plug-in hybrid traveling along a single-lane mountain road. While there’s no audio, the braking system appears to fail around the 1:32 mark. At this point, the crossover rapidly accelerates down the mountain and the driver loses control.
They drive into the side of an embankment, which nearly flips the vehicle over. However, the driver was able to retain control and bring the vehicle to a halt. The clip is an alarming testament to the seriousness of the recall and a huge blow to Volvo’s safety-focused image.
The issue is being blamed on bad software, which was released as part of an over-the-air update to address a separate recall that involved rearview camera failures. The NHTSA wants people to immediately perform an over-the-air update but, if they can’t, they should turn off B or one-pedal driving modes. They can also contact their local Volvo dealership if they need help or are having problems with the update.
Photo provided to Carscoops by the owner
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