In a significant safety move, Swedish automaker Volvo Cars is recalling a massive number of its vehicles in the United States. The action, announced on Thursday, affects over 413,000 cars due to a software malfunction linked to the rearview camera system.
Scope and Models Affected by the Recall
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed that 413,151 vehicles are part of this recall campaign. The primary models impacted are the popular 2021–2025 Volvo XC40 SUVs. However, the recall notice also includes several other modern lineups from the brand's current portfolio, broadening the scope of affected owners.
This marks the second recall for the same batch of vehicles in the same markets within a short span. The company had previously issued a recall for these models in May of last year (2025). A Volvo spokesperson explained to Reuters that this new recall follows the initial one, resulting from an additional, separate issue that was discovered, which unfortunately causes the same problematic symptom for drivers.
The Fix: Free Software Updates
Volvo has assured customers that the remedy for this safety concern will be straightforward and cost-free. The automaker is preparing a remedial software update to permanently resolve the rearview camera glitch.
Owners of the affected vehicles will have two convenient options to get their cars fixed:
- Visit an authorized Volvo dealer for a manual software installation.
- Receive the fix directly via an over-the-air (OTA) update, which is expected to be rolled out wirelessly in the coming weeks.
This use of OTA technology highlights the growing trend in the automotive industry to address software-related issues efficiently without always requiring a physical visit to the service center.
Implications for Volvo Owners
For the hundreds of thousands of Volvo owners in the US, this recall underscores the importance of responding to official safety communications. While the issue is software-based, a malfunctioning rearview camera can significantly reduce visibility while reversing, increasing the risk of accidents.
Volvo owners, particularly those with XC40 models from the 2021-2025 model years, should stay alert for official notification letters from the company or the NHTSA. They are advised to proceed with the free software update as soon as it becomes available to ensure their vehicle's safety systems are operating correctly.
