Volvo Cars Recalls 2024 XC40 Hybrids for Bad Software

Volvo Car USA is recalling ~17,409 2024 XC40 hybrid SUVs. A diagnostic error in the Central Electronic Module (CEM) software may cause the left rear turn signal indicator to not function, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a filing made public today. What is characterized as “a diagnostic mis-detection of short to ground of the left-hand rear turn indicator will result in no function of the left-hand rear turn indicator.”

“As a result, this would fail to warn an approaching driver of their intentions to turn or change travel lanes, increasing the risk of an accident,” the required safety defect filing said. The software was corrected 20 December  2023, and vehicles after this date have the correct software in the Central Electronic Module.

Chronology

• In November 2023 Volvo cars received the first report from the US market indicating issues with the left rear turn indicator system. During November the number of reports increased. Number of vehicle reports with the condition, reported to Volvo Cars from the NSC 4 in November 2023.
• In December 2023 the investigation was escalated to the Critical Concern Action Process (CCAP). The issue was concluded as potentially critical and the Critical Concern Management Team (CCMT) initiated a technical investigation to conclude customer symptom, risk assessment, root cause etc.
• On 3 January 2024 the technical investigation was completed. The CCMT took the decision to start a recall preparation as it was judged as an increased risk towards motor vehicle safety. Volvo Cars centrally has not received any reports alleging injuries, fatalities, or crashes related to this safety defect.

The CEM software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge as required by US regulations. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed 28 February 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552 about recall R10256. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov about NHTSA 24V010,