2016 Volvo XC90 recalled over airbag deployment concern

Volvo Australia has recalled its all-new 2016 XC90 SUV this week, following news in overseas markets of a fault that could affect airbag deployment.

Confirmed earlier this month, the fault centres on a trim panel that covers the internal side of the SUV’s broad D-pillar. It is believed that the panel’s design could interfere with proper deployment of the curtain airbag where it extends into the third seating row.

At the time, Volvo Car North America product safety and compliance manager Jason Guidi said that, in the event of a crash, “the interior panel on the D-pillar(s) may obstruct the inflatable curtain from inflating fully”.

Speaking with CarAdvice earlier in August, Volvo Car Australia communications manager Greg Bosnich confirmed that a local recall on the new XC90 would soon be underway.

Volvo XC90- 061

“We can confirm that we are addressing an issue,” Mr Bosnish said. “It has been discovered that an interior panel may prevent the curtain airbag in the third row from deploying. The issue is not related to the airbag itself, and certainly no other Volvo models.”

There have been no reports of incidents in either the North American market or here in Australia with the very recently launched XC90 range, but Volvo’s Australian arm has moved quickly to address the fault.

For Australia, the recall affects 232 vehicles, likely to be a mix of customer and dealer demonstrator cars.

Volvo has confirmed it will contact owners to arrange for replacement of the D-pillar panels.

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