Almost 500,000 Volvos recalled worldwide over airbag issue

It’s been a big, important week for Volvo following news the Swedish firm would become listed on the stock market. But now the firm is battling a global recall notice over potentially faulty airbags. 

The recall revolves around Volvo S80 sedans built between 2001 and 2006, and Volvo S60 sedans built between 2001 and 2009. 

Ironically, the issue is said to have no connection to the sweeping international recalls for Takata airbags. Instead the recall is said to involve airbags supplied by Autoliv and ZF. 

This is according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which announced America’s iteration of the recall. In the US, 259,383 vehicles have been impacted by the recall. 

A Volvo Cars New Zealand spokesperson confirmed to NZ Autocar that no New Zealand-new Volvos will be impacted by the recall. However, they did add that imported grey-market models might be affected. Those who own an imported S80 or S60 are recommended to consult with their importer regarding their vehicle’s origin. 

“This recall refers to specific hot and humid markets, currently New Zealand is not considered one of these therefore we are unaffected by this recall,” they said.

“There could be some grey imports in the market which might be affected, we would recommend concerned owners get in touch with their importer to confirm vehicles origin.

“However, Volvo Cars New Zealand will still endeavour to contact the owners or any cars within the recall framework as a courtesy to arrange repair.”

According to the NHTSA, the issue with the airbags concerns the inflator propellant tablets within. These are said to create a dust when subject to moisture or high temperatures. The dust then increases the odds of the inflator rupturing due to how it burns when an airbag goes off. 

This then increases the chances of shrapnel from the inflator being created when the airbag goes off. “In the event of a crash with a driver airbag activation where a rupture occurs the driver might be struck by fragments from the inflator which may cause serious injury or death,” says the NHTSA. 

The CNBC reports that more than 460,000 Volvos worldwide are set to be recalled for an airbag replacement. It indicates that the carmaker will perform the switch free of charge.