Volvo Recalls Thousands of 2026 Model Year Vehicles for Seatbelt Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC is initiating a safety recall affecting 1,355 of its 2026 model year vehicles due to a defect in the seatbelt system that could compromise occupant protection in a crash. The issue involves potentially damaged torsion bars within the seatbelt retractors, which, if they fail, could lead to uncontrolled spool-out of the shoulder belt. This recall encompasses specific versions of the Volvo XC90, XC60, V90CC, and V60CC hybrid electric vehicles produced within a defined period.

The defect originated during the sub-supplier’s production process, where torsion rods on a ball feeder may have sustained damage due to jamming. While the likelihood of encountering a damaged component is estimated to be low at 0.1%, the potential safety risk warrants this field service action. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned this recall the number 25V589, with Volvo’s internal campaign number being R10340.

The affected vehicles include 407 units of the 2026 Volvo XC90 MHEV manufactured between June 18, 2025, and July 2, 2025. Additionally, 914 units of the 2026 Volvo XC60 MHEV produced from June 23, 2025, to July 9, 2025, are part of this recall. The recall also extends to 16 units of the 2026 Volvo V90CC MHEV manufactured between June 19, 2025, and July 10, 2025, and 18 units of the 2026 Volvo V60CC MHEV produced between July 2, 2025, and July 4, 2025. Volvo has confirmed that XC90, XC60, V90CC, and V60CC vehicles produced after the specified dates for each model do not contain the potentially faulty components.

The remedy for this defect will involve Volvo replacing the potentially deviating front left and front right seatbelts. The replacement components will not have the damaged torsion bar. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail starting October 30, 2025, with a phased recall rollout. Information regarding specific vehicle identification numbers (VINs) will be searchable through the NHTSA website beginning September 17, 2025.

Volvo Cars became aware of the potential issue on September 4, 2025, when the supplier Autoliv provided notification. Following an escalation to the Critical Concern Action Process, a full technical investigation and risk assessment were conducted. By September 9, 2025, the Critical Concern Management Team deemed the defect a safety risk, leading to the decision to initiate the recall. The sub-supplier has since updated its manufacturing process by modifying loose guiding plates in the ball feeder to prevent future damage.

Owners who have previously paid for the repair of this specific issue before receiving the official notification may be eligible for reimbursement. Further details regarding the reimbursement process can be obtained by contacting Volvo Customer Support and referencing recall action R10340.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Volvo Car USA, LLC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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