Volvo Car USA, LLC has issued a safety recall for more than 14,000 of its electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles due to a serious software defect that could lead to a loss of brake function. The issue stems from the Brake Control Module software, which under specific driving conditions, can cause a failure in the braking system, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
Key Highlights
- Vehicles Affected: The recall impacts 14,014 select model year 2020-2026 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV).
- The Defect: A temporary loss of braking functionality may occur after coasting downhill for an extended period in certain driving modes. Pressing the brake pedal after this occurs may disable the brakes entirely.
- The Cause: The problem is attributed to Brake Control Module software version 3.5.14.
- The Remedy: Volvo will provide a free software update for all affected vehicles.
- Owner Notification: Owners will be officially notified by mail starting August 6, 2025.
Details of the Defect
The safety issue can occur when a vehicle is coasting downhill for at least 1 minute and 40 seconds. The problem is specific to vehicles operating in “One Pedal Drive” mode (for BEVs) or “B” drive mode (for PHEVs) without the driver applying the brake or accelerator pedals.
Under these circumstances, the vehicle may experience a temporary loss of braking. The most significant danger arises if the driver then presses the brake pedal, as this action may cause a complete loss of braking function, elevating the risk of a collision. Until the recall remedy is performed, owners are advised to avoid using the “One Pedal Drive” and “B” drive modes.
Affected Vehicles and Corrective Action
The recall population was traced to a specific software version released on April 25, 2025. The recall covers a wide range of Volvo’s electrified lineup:
- 2023-2024 C40 BEV, XC40 BEV, EC40, and EX40
- 2020-2025 XC90 PHEV
- 2022-2025 XC60 PHEV
- 2023-2025 S60 PHEV
- 2024-2025 V60 PHEV
- 2025 S90 PHEV
The remedy involves a software update to the Brake Control Module, which will be performed at no cost to the owner. Owners who have already paid for repairs related to this issue may be eligible for reimbursement.
Recall Schedule and Owner Information
Dealers were notified of the recall on June 12, 2025. Vehicle owners will receive official notification letters starting August 6, 2025. Owners can check if their vehicle is included in the recall by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website after June 20, 2025.
For more information, owners can contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552 or visit the Volvo customer help website. The manufacturer’s recall number is R10329, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 25V392.
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