Volvo Recalls 26,000 Cars Worldwide Due to Faulty Software

Swedish carmaker Volvo today announced that it is recalling 26,000 cars worldwide because of a glitch spotted in the software that might cause serious engine problems. In case you're wondering what are the models concerned by the recall, just-auto.com writes that it affects 2008-2010 models of the S80, V70, XC60, XC70 and S80L (sold only in China), equipped with T6 six-cylinder turbocharged engine.

According to spokeswoman Maria Bohlin cited by the aforementioned source, the software malfunction concerns an electronic module that prevents the engine from starting or stops it after 100 meters.

As expected, owners of the aforementioned models are informed by the Swedish manufacturer through a letter that asks them to bring the cars to dealers and install a software update. Approximately 12,000 vehicles are in the United States, just-auto.com wrote.

A similar recall was announced by Volvo in June, but it only concerned 2008 and 2009 S80, V70 and XC70.

"The engine cooling fan may stop working due to a software programming error in the fan control module (FCM)," NHTSA wrote in the advisory. "Depending on driving conditions, the customer may experience reduced air conditioning performance and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature," it added.

"The situation may result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning lights or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash."

Just as in today's case, Volvo was informing all owners of the glitch and asked them to go to service center and install the software update in question.