The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into several complaints about electronic malfunctions in Volvo SUVs, Bloomberg Businessweek reports. There have been 21 complaints related to the 2004 and 2005 model Volvo XC90s concerning intermittent malfunctions with electronic components such as headlights and turn signals. The malfunctions have been shown to disappear once the unit controlling the car’s electronic parts is replaced, lending credence to the claim that the specific malfunctions can be tied to the cars’ master electronic control system, and not to individual failures of each of the cars’ electronic parts.
Although the stipulated defects have not been linked to any crashes or injuries, they still pose a safety risk and may increase the possibility of serious accidents. The estimated number of cars potentially affected by the investigation is 93,487. However, no recalls have been announced. 2005 Volvo XC90s were already in 2007 due to a problem with the vehicle’s battery that posed a risk of short circuiting and causing fires.
If you have recently purchased a vehicle that seems to require an uncharacteristically high number of repairs, you may have been sold a lemon vehicle. Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, you may be entitled to a refund or a replacement car after a reasonable number of repair attempts. To learn more about your rights, call skilled California lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver at 866-49-LEMON or refer to Mr. Silver’s California lemon law reference guide.
