Volvo Recalls 200,000 Vehicles Due To Fuel Leak Problems, Fire Risk

Volvo has announced it is recalling more than 200,000 diesel engine vehicles globally, due to a risk that the pressurized fuel system may leak into the engine compartment, posing a fire risk. 

The Volvo recall was announced this week, impacting 11 different diesel engine model vehicles. The action comes after the automobile manufacturer received repeated complaints of fuel smells emanating from the engine compartment, according to Swedish news source, Aftonbladet.

Volvo officials told Aftonbladet that an engineering issue may allow the pressurized fuel system to leak over time from cracks inside of the fuel lines. To date, no fires or injuries have been reported in relation to the recall, however Volvo Cars has received multiple warranty claims over the strong smell of fuel from the engine compartment.

The recall affects approximately 219,420 model year 2015 and 2016 V40, V40CC, S60, S60CC, V60, V60CC, XC60, V70, XC70, S80 and XC90 vehicles manufactured by Volvo Cars. Roughly 37,000 models were distributed throughout Sweden, another 30,777 to Britain and the remaining were shipped to the U.S. and other markets to licensed dealers.

Fuel line leaks pose a variety of hazards to consumers including fires from the combustible fuel coming in contact with hot engine components or other ignition source, property damage hazards if the vehicle is parked inside of the garage and catches on fire, and also stall and loss of control hazards when the vehicle runs out of fuel.

If occupants of an affected vehicle notice a gas smell then the problem with the fuel line has already developed. The vehicle should be taken to the dealership immediately for repair.

Volvo intends to begin notifying customers of the recall as soon as possible and will be providing instructions on how to schedule a free repair at their local dealer, in where dealers will be instructed to replace the potentially cracking fuel lines.

Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall may contact Volvo Cars at 1-800-550-5658.