Volvo Recalls 360,000 Cars for Speed-Control Problem

Volvo earlier released a statement that it is recalling approximately 360,000 cars due to a problem in speed-controls that can cause the vehicle to lose power without any warning. The automaker added that the defect in the electronic throttle module in Volvo cars manufactured between 1999 and 2002 could throw engines into the so-called "limp home" mode having about 15 miles per hour as the maximum speed.

Said recall, which is ordered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), applies to Volvo used parts found in the C70 and V70 models that are manufactured between 2001 and 2002. Other cars subject to recall are the S60 models manufactured between 2001 and 2002, and S70 and V70X models, which are manufactured between 1999 and 2000. Christer Gustafsson, spokesperson of the automaker said that Volvo has fixed the speed-control problem on about 165,000 vehicles of the recall total after sending out notices to owners in March.

The speed-control problem was first flagged by California's Air Resource Board. After said problem was reported and investigated by the NHTSA, the latter ordered a mandatory recall early this month. Gustafsson added, "Volvo owners who bring their cars to dealerships will have new software reinstalled for the throttle-control unit. We're already doing about 2,000 or 3,000 of these a week." In addition Gustafsson noted that "limp home" setting is the safety feature in Volvo cars. Said feature is designed to avoid unintended acceleration in case of a throttle malfunction.

Separately, the NHTSA also ordered recall of 128,000 DaimlerChrysler's Pacifica sport utility vehicles built between 2005 and 2006 due to software problem. Said software controls Chrysler car parts governing the fuel pump and powertrain control. According to NHTSA, the problem could cause the engine to stall in some cases. As part of the recall, the automaker will reprogram the powertrain controls and substitute the fuel pump on some Chrysler cars.

It can also be recalled that Toyota, a rival of GM, Ford and Chrysler, recalled 368,000 SUVs in July. The recall is all about the defective clip used in Toyota carpet. The defective carpet clip could hinder with brake usage and cause further road misfortunes.