2001 V70 Not Included In Airbag Recall?

[Griff]

Hello,

I have a newly purchased 2001 V70 that has the original logo on the steering wheel airbag (pictured below). Because of this, I assume that it is one of the recalled airbags that Ive had to take care of on a few of my current and previous P2 Volvos.

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However, according to Volvo, this isn't the case. My first roadblock comes when I try to search their recall database. After entering my vin and hitting search, I only get a "Vehicle Identification Number Not Found" message.

I decided to book an appointment at the dealership since I was certain the airbag is on recall. But, when checking in, the service advisor tells me that there is no active recall for the airbag on my car. When I got home I gave Volvo USA a call and they told me the same thing - there isn't and never has been a recall issued on my particular V70s steering wheel airbag. A chat with Volvo USA double confirmed the same info.

This is very puzzling to me - is anyone on here aware of a P2 V70 that wasn't included in the recall? I previously had an identical car, a 2001 V70 T5 (in addition to a couple of XC70s) that had the recall done where they received the post-recall updated Volvo logo airbag as seen here:

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Another thing is the, according to the previous owner, they purchased the car in Germany and it was shipped to the US in 2003. This is the only thing I could think of that could be causing issues.


Edit: I found a related thread on this site titled "2001-2003 S60/S80 Airbag Recall" where user gnalan posts a screen shot reply from Volvo indicating his 2001 S60 isn't covered on the recall. Immediately after abscate responds with this info: "It's a recall applicable only in high humidity states, so it won't show up in the global recalls."

I am now assuming I don't have this recall due to my Volvo being sold new in Germany. However, this particular V70, just like all my previous Volvos that have had this recall, spent the last 20+ in the same area of the same state. Does anyone know a way to escalate this to Volvo?

[volvolugnut]

My USA purchased 2001 V70 received the airbag recall.
volvolugnut

[DavidE7]

The recall was initially in high humidity and high temperature areas because the risk of improper airbag inflation is more severe with humidity and temperature exposure. The S60 and S80 were recalled first then the V70/XC70. "The vehicles included in this recall are V70 and XC70 models that were built from Feb. 22, 2000 through May 4, 2007..." Both of my 2001 V70s that two of my sons use had the airbags replaced at a local Volvo dealer. The dealer specifically asked me if the airbag has the rectangular Volvo logo or the round iron logo.

I was searching the United States federal NHTSA website and I found the analysis of the Volvo airbag failure that killed a person. Unfortunately I can't find this link to the report anymore. The airbag propellant is directed into a metal volume before going into the fabric of the bag. If the pressure from the propellant is too high, the metal ruptures and the metal fragments can hit the vehicle occupants. The man that died had a ruptured piece of steel cut a neck artery. The recall is important.

Also interesting:
https://www.naderilawgroup.com/new-blog ... bag-recall

[scot850]

If the car was a personal import, it may not show up on the Volvo NA database as needing recalled.

I have to repair a car here that was one of the kits built by Volvo in Halifax in Canada. That car had a weird Vin# that did not show up on Volvo's Canadian database strangely because of that. It did not show up when parts searching in the US either.

Neil.

[Vova585]

I think scot850 has the the right idea. I am surprised that your dealer is not willing to be more helpful with this issue(warranty work is easy money for service department, especially such repair). I would probably try different dealer if one is available in your area with detailed explanation of origins of the car. They should be able to contact corporate way faster than you and hopefully get your covered with new airbag. If they are also a "dud" , I would try to write volvo directly through contact section and see if they might be of any help.
The last totally "hypothetical" scenario that you can obtain airbag which was already recalled through Facebook marketplace for "arts and crafts purpose" vs one can "accidentally" materialize in your bag while walking out of salvage yard. (Not sure about CO laws, but NYS prohibits sell or instalation of used airbags unless certified by some national company).

[Krons]

I would call Volvo Customer Care and push the issue, they’ll need to approve the car being included in the recall. Dealer can only refer you to them.

[Griff]

Thanks for all the responses, everyone! I did send a message to Volvo directly detailing the situation (from the Volvo USA contact page, then clicked "Message Us." I also called and the phone representative added additional notes to the case that was created when I messaged. I am hoping they decide to include my car in the recall.

I will update here with how the process went in the case someone else needs to go through this in the future.

[Griff]

Update: Volvo did agree to cover the steering wheel airbag under the recall. It was actually quite a quick process. It only took about 2-3 days after I submitted a request (via the process mentioned in the above comment) that I got word that it was approved. I just got back from the dealership with a shiny new airbag!

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[scot850]

Well done. sometimes persistence pays off! At least the colors match for the wheel and the airbag.

Neil.

[abscate]

You can put an R on it with sharpie for an extra 5 Hp, too.