Airbag fault sparks worldwide Volvo recall, Australia affected

Volvo will recall 460,769 cars internationally – including almost 1500 in Australia – due to a potentially-deadly airbag fault, a spokesperson for the brand has confirmed to Drive.

The recall affects Volvo S60 models built between 2001 and 2009, and S80 models built between 2001 and 2006 (pictured below).

Parts supplied by US manufacturer ZF-TRW Automotive – which was known simply as TRW Automotive at the time, prior to a merger – are responsible for the fault.

“This localisation of moisture leads to volumetric changes of the tablets surface creating dust over time. Dust increases burn surface area and thereby burn rate.

“Higher burn rate can result in higher combustion chamber pressure and risk of inflator rupture. This condition could render the driver to be struck by fragments of metal from the inflator.”

A spokesperson for the brand in Australia told Drive: “Volvo Cars will contact owners of all cars subject to the recall, informing them on how to get their cars corrected at the time their car is included in the phased recall.

“All cars subject to the recall will be updated through replacing the defective airbag assembly with a new unit. Our investigations show that there is a low likelihood of the [fault described] happening.

“Owners of cars affected by this recall will be contacted by Volvo Cars via letter. When they receive the letter, we urge them to contact their local dealer to have their car corrected.”