Volvo Car is recalling over 14,014 U.S. electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles due to a serious software defect that could cause loss of brake functionality, increasing the risk of crashes and injuries.
The issue stems from the vehicle’s Brake Control Module when either “B” mode (PHEV) or “One Pedal Drive” mode (EV) is activated. If the car has coasted downhill for at least one minute and 40 seconds without the driver pressing the accelerator or brake, the brake system could become non-functional.
The defect affects Volvo models using software 3.514, released earlier this year. Impacted vehicles include:
- 2023–2024 C40, XC40, EC40, and EX40
- 2020–2025 XC90 PHEV
- 2022–2025 XC60 PHEV
- 2023–2025 S60 PHEV
- 2024–2025 V60 PHEV
- 2025 S90 PHEV
To resolve the issue, Volvo has issued a free, over-the-air software update to correct the issue. Owners may also visit their nearest dealership to have the software installed. Volvo will mail notification letters to owners of impacted vehicles starting August 6. In the meantime, the automaker advises drivers to avoid using “B” or “One Pedal Drive” modes until the fix is complete.
The problematic software, version 3.5.14, was introduced in April but only available via dealer installation. Among several performance improvements, it included a change designed to make the brake pedal feel “less stiff” after start-up, which may have caused the defect.
