Volvo Owner Files Lawsuit Alleging Hybrid Recall Lowered His SUV's Worth | Carscoops

      The plaintiff aims to represent anyone who has bought or leased a Volvo model affected by the recall.

      The plaintiff argues that Volvo's recall reduces the resale value of his 2020 XC60.

      The vehicles involved in the recall include the XC60, XC90, S60, S90, V60, and V90.

      Volvo has stated that the short-circuit issue increases the likelihood of its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) catching fire.

      In March, Volvo announced a global recall impacting nearly 73,000 of its plug-in hybrid vehicles due to the risk of short-circuiting when parked and fully charged. Now, in addition to addressing this logistical challenge, the company is facing a lawsuit in Pennsylvania concerning the same alleged defect but for a different reason.

      A class action lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, accusing Volvo of breaching multiple laws associated with the manufacturing, marketing, advertising, selling, and servicing of its plug-in hybrid models. The plaintiff, B. Saleh, asserts that Volvo has known about the issue for a while but did not notify customers.

      Saleh, who owns a 2020 Volvo XC60, claims he was never made aware of any potential battery problem when he bought the vehicle. This may be because Volvo itself was not aware of the issue at the time of his purchase; however, the class action argues that he and other owners are now left with vehicles that have lost value. The complaint states that resale value will decline regardless of whether the recall resolves the issue.

      The problem reportedly originates from a possible short circuit in the high-voltage battery. Unlike conventional hybrid battery placements, these batteries are positioned along the transmission tunnel rather than beneath the trunk. If these cells short-circuit, it could lead to a “thermal runaway.” The class action claims that this failure is due to “improper engineering, design, or manufacturing” by Volvo.

      Volvo’s recall process will consist of inspecting the affected vehicles to identify any cell deviations, a software update, and possibly the installation of a new battery module. The lawsuit claims that the recall will cost the plaintiff “hours of his time.” Saleh also expresses dissatisfaction over needing to arrange transport to and from a certified Volvo mechanic, along with the towing expenses, which could amount to $4.75 per mile.

      The lawsuit aims to represent a wider group of buyers and lessees of the affected models, which include the 2020–2021 S90, 2020–2022 S60, 2020–2022 V60, 2020–2022 XC60, 2020–2022 XC90, and the 2022 V90. It demands a jury trial and seeks financial damages.