Volvo EVs and hybrids recalled for possible brake failure

Brakes Could Fail on Some Volvos

Imagine driving down a hill and lifting your foot off the pedals, then realizing your brakes don’t work. That nightmare scenario could happen to some Volvo owners.

Volvo has recalled over 14,000 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the U.S. A bug in the software might cause the braking system to fail in very specific driving situations. It’s rare, but dangerous enough to spark a major recall.

These Volvo Models Are at Risk

The recall includes some of Volvo’s most popular models from 2020 to 2026. These aren’t obscure cars, they’re common on American roads.

Affected plug-in hybrids include the S60, V60, S90, XC60, XC90, and XC40. For all-electric models, the C40 is on the list. If you drive one of these vehicles, don’t assume you’re in the clear.

It’s important to check your car’s software version and avoid risky driving modes until your system is updated.

The Hidden Software Glitch

This isn’t about faulty parts; it’s a software issue. The problem comes from a bug in the Brake Control Module, which controls how the car slows down.

It only shows up under a strange combo: coasting downhill for more than 100 seconds without using the gas or brake. That’s when the brakes might fully stop working. It’s not something that would happen during everyday driving, but it could show up on long slopes or mountain roads.

Avoid These Driving Modes Now

If your car has the affected software, Volvo says to avoid One Pedal Drive on EVs and “B” mode on hybrids. These two settings are now safety risks.

They both reduce the need to use the brake pedal, which normally makes driving smoother. But in these cars, under certain conditions, they could lead to total brake failure. Stick with regular drive mode until you’re sure your software is updated. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.

A Second Major Recall in Months

This isn’t Volvo’s only recent recall. Earlier this year, around 7,500 plug-in hybrids were recalled for battery issues.

In that case, bad high-voltage cells could short-circuit and possibly start a fire. That recall affected models from 2020 to 2022. While the problems are unrelated, it shows how Volvo’s latest vehicles have faced several safety concerns in a short time. Car owners should stay alert for future updates.

It Started With a Dealer Update

The faulty software version, 3.5.14, came out in April. Unlike other updates, you couldn’t download it at home; it had to be installed by a dealership.

That version included small tweaks, like making the foot brake feel less stiff when starting the car. It also made updates to systems like lane assist and tire pressure monitoring. But hidden in those updates was the glitch that could disable your brakes.

How the Brakes Might Fail

The brake failure doesn’t happen instantly. The issue occurs when a vehicle is coasting downhill for at least 1 minute and 40 seconds in ‘One Pedal Drive’ mode (for BEVs) or ‘B’ mode (for PHEVs) without the driver applying the brake or accelerator pedals.

Only then might the braking function fail completely. It’s a rare chain of events, but it’s not impossible, especially in hilly or mountainous areas. Volvo says it’s unlikely, but serious enough to act. A small mistake in software design can turn into a big hazard on the road.

Volvo’s Safety Advice Right Now

Volvo is asking drivers to keep things simple for now. Use standard drive mode and avoid features that rely on automatic braking.

Even if you haven’t had problems, it’s best to avoid One Pedal and B mode until you’re sure your car has the fix. The cars are still safe to drive in normal conditions. The danger only appears in specific cases, but it’s worth being cautious to avoid any surprises.

A Fix is Already Available

Volvo hasn’t waited around; they’ve already created a software update that fixes the problem. It’s called version 3.6.4 and started rolling out June 16.

You can get it through an over-the-air update, just like your phone’s software. Or you can visit a Volvo dealership to have it installed manually. If you’re not sure which version you have, it’s easy to check in your car’s settings.

What One Pedal Drive Does

One Pedal Drive is a cool feature that lets you speed up and slow down using just the accelerator. When you lift your foot, the car slows down.

It’s great for city driving and can even save battery power. But the current issue makes this feature unsafe on affected Volvos. Until your car is fixed, using One Pedal Drive could leave you without brakes in rare cases.

B Mode’s Role in Hybrids

B mode is used in plug-in hybrids to increase regenerative braking. It slows the car more aggressively to recharge the battery.

It also makes hill driving easier. But the same bug that affects EVs can also strike here. If you drive a Volvo hybrid, skip B mode for now. Regular driving works fine and keeps you out of the danger zone.

How to Check Your Software Version

Want to know if your car is affected? You can find your software version inside your car’s system settings.

Look for version 3.5.14, that’s the one with the problem. If your car says 3.6.4, you’re in the clear. Anything older or unknown means it’s time to get it updated. If you’re unsure how to check, a dealership can help you find out.

Is It Still Safe to Drive?

Yes, your Volvo is still safe to use if you avoid the risky features. Just don’t use One Pedal Drive or B mode until your car’s software is confirmed safe.

Regular driving doesn’t trigger the bug. So, unless you’re rolling downhill for minutes without braking or accelerating, you should be okay. Still, it’s smart to get the update done soon.

Volvo’s Quiet Response

So far, Volvo hasn’t explained how this flaw made it into the software. No full report has been shared publicly.

They’ve focused on rolling out the fix and alerting customers. It’s a reminder that even well-known carmakers can run into quality control problems. Transparency will matter if future issues come up.

How to Get the Update Fast

The easiest way to fix this is to connect your car to Wi-Fi and wait for the update. It may install automatically in the background.

If you want it faster or aren’t sure it’s coming, visit a Volvo retailer. They can install it directly. Either way, it’s free and only takes a short time. Don’t wait around, get the fix and protect your brakes.

Curious how far Volvo’s SUV can go on electric power alone? Check out what it can do without giving up gas power.

Smart Cars, Smarter Risks

Modern cars are like rolling computers. They run on code, not just cables, and that makes them more powerful, but also more prone to glitches.

This recall shows how a tiny bug in software can cause a big safety risk. Car owners now need to think about updates and software the same way they think about oil changes and tire checks.

Want to see how Volvo’s blending old-school utility with new tech? Take a look at the rebooted XC70 with plug-in hybrid power.

Ever had a close call with your brakes? Share your story below.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.