Brake System Alert Issued for Volvo EVs and Hybrids

Volvo urges immediate action as brake failure risk affects electric and plug-in hybrid models

• Volvo issued a “Do Not Drive” warning that the break system might completely stop working in some of its electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
• The problem can lead to a complete brake failure if there is a continuous use of the regenerative braking system (for more than 1 minute and 40 seconds).
• This warning comes after a recall on June 12 for 11,469 models. By July 15, about 1,000 of those vehicles still hadn’t received the over-the-air fix.

Volvo has sent out a serious safety warning for many of its electric and plug-in hybrid models (made as far back as 2020) due to a possible brake failure problem. The automaker discovered that there is a software glitch that could influence the braking performance in some of its recent models. It prompted the automaker to recall those vehicles immediately.

The issue impacts the brake control module, which might not operate efficiently after a software glitch. The regular hydraulic braking system functions; however, the electronic brake support (which assists in reducing stopping distances) could fail to begin when needed. That means it might minimize braking power, particularly at the time of hard stops or emergency conditions.

According to Volvo, this brake system problem has affected 71,000+ vehicles worldwide. The recalled EVs are EC40 and XC40, and the affected plug-in models are EX40, S60, S90, XC60, V60, and XC90. The recent notice has a ‘Do Not Drive’ warning for car owners who didn’t apply the over-the-air fix for the June recall.

According to the recent warning, the problem can lead to a complete brake failure if there is a continuous use of the regenerative braking system (for more than 1 minute and 40 seconds). In order to avoid the failure, Volvo and NHTSA have advised drivers to not use ‘B’ mode in plug-in cars and ‘one-pedal’ mode in the electric vehicles.

Volvo is notifying all affected owners and giving a free software update to fix the brake problem. Car owners can either visit their nearby local dealership or get the complete update over-the-air, which means they don’t need to leave home in order to fix the issue.

Volvo claims one serious accident has happened, and it was recorded on camera (in the video above).