Man Claims Volvo Speakers Caused a Lifetime of Unbearable Noise | Carscoops

      Volvo is reported to have been aware of speaker issues stemming from a manufacturing defect.

      20 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      A movie producer alleges that the speakers in his XC90 produced an "unrelenting piercing tone."

      A Tennessee court has dismissed claims against Volvo Car USA, yet the lawsuit continues.

      The legal action now targets Volvo Car Corporation, the Swedish branch of the automaker.

      A Tennessee court has dealt a blow to a movie producer claiming that the speaker system in his Volvo XC90 has caused permanent hearing damage. While the lawsuit remains active, a significant aspect of the case has been dismissed. Judge Aleta A. Trauger has dismissed all claims against Volvo Car USA, but the case will move forward against Volvo Car Corporation, the automaker's Swedish division.

      Timothy Zajaros asserts that while driving his 2017 XC90 on September 13, 2022, the vehicle's speakers "emitted a loud, unrelenting, piercing tone that caused him pain." He alleges that this event resulted in permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, and states that he has suffered income loss as a film producer due to ongoing hearing problems.

      Refocused Legal Strategy

      The initial complaint included Volvo Cars of North America, Volvo Group North America, and Volvo Car USA as defendants. However, both Volvo Cars of North America and Volvo Group North America were dismissed after being found to be "improper parties." The plaintiff was then allowed to submit an amended complaint that included Volvo Sweden as a defendant.

      Zajaros claims that the speaker malfunction was due to a manufacturing defect and alleges that Volvo was aware of the problem but did not inform him or take corrective action.

      Reasons for Dismissal of Volvo Car USA

      In a recent ruling, Judge Trauger concluded that the plaintiff had not established any facts, “beyond speculation,” that would hold Volvo Car USA responsible for his injuries. This determination is based on the fact that Volvo Sweden is recognized as having manufactured Zajaros's XC90, not Volvo Car USA.

      “In essence, the only fact supporting the claim that Volvo USA had any involvement with the Car is that it contains ‘Volvo’ in its name,” the Judge remarked. “Additionally, the blanket allegation that Volvo USA manufactured the Car mirrors the claims against Volvo Cars of North America, LLC and Volvo Group North America, LLC, both of which the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed from this action.”

      Continuing Case Against Volvo Sweden

      The lawsuit is set to proceed with a more concentrated focus on Volvo Car Corporation. Whether the Swedish automaker will be deemed liable is still uncertain, but for the moment, the legal attention has shifted abroad.