Volvo recalls 8,406 model S80 vehicles

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced that Volvo has issued a recall of 8,406 S80 sedans due to potential problems with power steering system.

In its report to the agency, Volvo said the recalled vehicles are 2007 models manufactured between March 8, 2006 and May 16, 2007. Apparently the recall is connected to problems with the power steering function on the vehicles. Problems with the power steering fluid line may lead to a leaking of fluid and the potential loss of power steering, and could lead to accidents. Improperly routed hoses are thought to be the cause of the problem.

Volvo estimates that around 6 percent of the recalled vehicles are defective. The company has not received any reports of accidents or injuries connected to the defect.

According to Volvo, their recall was voluntary. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted in its announcement of the recall, however, that the company was required to inform the agency of its recall.

Volvo said that dealers would be inspecting the recalled vehicles for defects and repairing the problem free of charge, beginning sometime in August. Consumers can see whether their vehicle is implicated by looking on the label affixed to the driver-side doorjamb.

Defective motor vehicles can be a large cleanup job for manufacturers. Consumers injured by defective motor vehicles have multiple protections on their side. The massive 2009-2011 Toyota recalls, litigation for which is still ongoing, are a testament to that fact.

Source: Reuters, "UPDATE 1-Volvo recalls 8,400 cars in US for steering issue," Ben Klayman, 29 July 2011.