Volvo Recalls Vehicles for Seatbelt Defects

Volvo, which produced the first three-point safety belt in the late 1950s, is now recalling about 74,000 vehicles for defective seatbelts. According to a news report on CNET.com, the automaker is recalling multiple 2016-2017 models in the U.S. including the S60, S90, V60, XC60 and XC90. Another 5,000 vehicles are being recalled in Canada. The issue apparently rests with a single connecting pin in the buckle, which may reduce the seatbelt’s efficacy in the event of a car accident.

Details of the Recall

So far, no injuries have been linked to this problem. Volvo has already sent out notifications to vehicle owners. The remedy for the problem is a quick part swap. Volvo says in government documents that a buckle stud can come loose, allowing the buckle to separate from a bracket. If that happens, the buckle might not hold the front passenger in the event of a crash. Many of these cars are still on dealer lots.

Hopefully, vehicle owners will not be held for long and can get the fix fairly quickly. Dealers are expected to replace the buckle at no cost to owners starting Dec. 12. Volvo began investigating the problem after getting reports of buckle failures starting in August. The problem was traced back to cars that were manufactured between Feb. 16, 2015 and Aug. 22, 2016.

The Danger of Seatbelt Failures

When a seatbelt part fails, the danger can be significant for vehicle occupants. When a seatbelt fails to work, vehicle occupants could get thrown inside the vehicle or even get partially or fully ejected. Some of the injuries that could be sustained in these types of crashes involving seatbelt failure include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma,

multiple broken bones, internal injuries, amputations and lacerations. In car accidents where vehicle occupants are ejected, it is important to preserve the vehicle unaltered to it can be examined by an expert for evidence including defects, malfunctions and design flaws. It is crucial to retain the services of an auto defect lawfirm that has the resources to independently investigate seatbelt defects and other defective autos. Injured victims of defective vehicles can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress.