Volvo Drivers Cautioned to Avoid Using This Mode Until Immediate Repair Is Implemented | Carscoops

      The NHTSA's action comes just under two weeks after we reported on a crash involving an XC90 due to brake failure.

      The NHTSA is urging certain Volvo owners to "immediately" update their vehicle's software. A prior update may hinder the braking system's functionality.

      The government has released alarming dashcam footage that shows a brake failure leading to an accident.

      The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued an urgent alert for 11,469 Volvo owners. They are being instructed to halt their activities and “immediately complete an important over-the-air safety recall.”

      This is an unusual action, but approximately 1,000 owners have not yet applied the latest over-the-air update, which was released following a recall last month. This recall affects plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles from the 2020-2026 model years.

      This includes models such as the 2023 C40, 2025 EC40, 2025-2026 EX40, 2023-2025 S60, 2025 S90, 2024-2025 V60, 2023-2024 XC40, 2022-2026 XC60, and 2020-2026 XC90. The government indicated that “in certain driving situations while coasting downhill and using ‘B mode’ or ‘One Pedal Drive,’ the vehicle may experience brake failure.”

      This is alarming, and the safety recall report noted that if the “vehicle is in one of these modes and coasts downhill for at least 1 minute and 40 seconds without applying the pedals, the brakes may lose their functionality.” This raises the risk of a crash significantly, as “pressing the brake pedal may completely disable braking.”

      To emphasize the risks, the NHTSA shared dashcam footage of a “serious incident.” We brought you the same video earlier this month, showing an XC90 plug-in hybrid driving on a single-lane mountain road. While there is no audio, the braking system seems to fail around the 1:32 mark. At this moment, the crossover rapidly accelerates downhill, and the driver loses control.

      The vehicle collides with an embankment, which nearly causes it to flip. Fortunately, the driver managed to regain control and stop the vehicle. The video serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of the recall and is a significant setback for Volvo’s safety reputation.

      The problem is attributed to faulty software released as part of an over-the-air update addressing a different recall related to rearview camera issues. The NHTSA urges individuals to perform the over-the-air update immediately; if they are unable to, they should disable the B or one-pedal driving modes. They can also reach out to their local Volvo dealership for assistance or if they encounter difficulties with the update.