Sweden's famous car company Volvo has announced the recall of more than 4.5 lakh of its vehicles in the US and Canada. This big step was taken due to a small software glitch, due to which the rearview camera does not work in reverse gear. This problem affects vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2025, which includes models like XC40, C40, S60, V60, XC60, S90, V90 and XC90. The company has arranged for a free software update to fix this problem, which will be available either online (OTA) or at the dealership.
This recall is no small matter for Volvo. For the first time in April 2021, some customers complained about the rearview camera. Then in March 2025, the US Road Safety Agency (NHTSA) talked to Volvo about this, after which the company decided to recall. In total, 4,13,151 vehicles in the US and 40,673 in Canada are covered under this. Volvo says that this defect does not affect the rest of the safety features of the vehicle, such as park assist or automatic braking. Still, the update is necessary for caution.
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The company found that this problem is in the software of a "wide angle vision module", which is present in vehicles manufactured between September 8, 2020 and April 18, 2025. The good thing is that Volvo had fixed this defect during production in April 2025. But, the vehicles that have already been sold need an update. A company official said that neither any accident happened nor anyone was injured due to this mistake. Still, Volvo has requested customers to get the update done soon.
This recall has again brought the software related problems in the automobile industry in the limelight. Recently, big companies like Tesla, Ford and Volkswagen also had to recall due to software flaws. For example, Tesla recalled 2 lakh vehicles in 2024 due to rearview camera problems. Experts believe that as vehicles are becoming more smart and connected, software-related recalls may increase. This trend is now becoming common.
Volvo has taken full care of the convenience of the customers. The company will send information to the owners of all affected vehicles by post by June 24, 2025. If the vehicle system supports OTA update, then customers can update from home. Otherwise, one will have to go to the nearest dealership. Volvo has advised that customers get this update done as soon as possible, so that there is no risk. This step of the company is an attempt to reassure the customers.
Volvo's reputation rests on safety and trust, but such a big recall can affect its image. Nevertheless, the company's prompt action and free updates can maintain customer trust. In the era of increasing technology complexity in the automobile industry, brands like Volvo have to pay more attention to the quality of software. For now, those who own affected vehicles should wait for the recall notice and update as soon as possible.