Volvo Cars Recalls 507,000 Vehicles as Probe Finds Fire Risk

Swedish auto-maker Volvo Cars is recalling 507,000 vehicles worldwide because of a faulty engine component that, in extreme cases, could result in a fire.

The cars being recalled were produced in 2014-2019 and have a 2-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine, Volvo Cars said in an emailed statement. The affected models are the S60, S80, S90, V40, V60, V70, V90, XC60 and XC90. read more »

Traffic safety agency says its critics are wrong about its lack of toughness

The nation's top vehicle safety watchdog lacks expertise to properly assess defects and must rely too much on car companies, safety advocates say.

They contend that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reluctant to order recalls when it will face a legal fight because of its small staff and tight budget, and complain about the number of officials whose next job after NHTSA is in the auto industry.

But those were the “old days,” the agency’s boss told the Free Press last week. Since 2016, the agency has restructured, added staff with expertise in today’s car technology and become more proactive, she said. In fact, 2015-18 are the top four years for recalls in U.S. history. read more »