Volvo Fan Wiring Problem

RecallsS80/S60
XC70/V70 (1999-2001 model years)

Volvo is recalling 460,000 cars worldwide because a wiring problem could cause a fan to overheat and burn.

The affected cars are the S80 and S60 saloon and the XC70 and V70 estate from the 1999, 2000 and 2001 model years.

The recall is the largest in the history of the Swedish carmaker, which became a unit of Ford in 1999.

There have been no injuries related to the defect, but there have been seven reported vehicle fires, said Volvo's US spokesman James Hope.

The firm will replace the fan for free in all vehicles. Of the cars being recalled about 150,000 are in the US, 75,000 in Sweden, 40,000 in Germany, 35,000 in the UK and 14,000 in Japan.

Owners should contact their Volvo dealer.

This is the statement from Volvo on this issue:

"You may be aware that Volvo Car Corporation has decided to recall a number of S80, S60, V70 and V70 XC vehicles of model year 2000, 2001 and some of model year 1999, for the replacement of the electric cooling fan. Whilst this recall will not start in the UK until the end of this year and will take place over the opening months of 2005, we felt it appropriate to advise you of the situation to allay any fears that you may have.

This recall action concerns approximately 460,000 cars worldwide. The reason for this action is that Volvo Car Corporation has determined that under certain operating conditions a potential defect in the electronic fan control module, EFCM, can lead to a short circuit.

Volvo Cars is not aware of any injuries that have been caused by this problem. The potential for this condition to occur is significantly influenced by certain driving patterns and climatic conditions, and the affected cars will be equipped with a new fan of a modified design. Other model years are fitted with a cooling fan with slightly different specification, so do not require modification.

Since the likelihood of a problem occurring with a vehicle is heavily influenced by climatic and driving conditions, the decision has been taken to launch the recall first in the US and Japan. The number of vehicles involved makes it impossible to launch simultaneously throughout the world, and since no problems of this type have been reported in the UK, we will start to launch the recall here late this year.

It is normal for the fan to run on after the car is switched off, for up to six minutes. In the unlikely event that you should experience a problem with the fan of your car running on for a longer period, please contact your dealership, who will undertake the relevant work to rectify the problem free of charge if your car falls into the chassis range affected by the impending recall." End quote.

September 2004

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