More Than 413K Volvo Vehicles Recalled Over Rearview Camera Failure—Check If Yours Is Affected Before February 16, 2026

Volvo is recalling 413,151 vehicles across the United States due to a software defect that can cause rearview cameras to fail when drivers shift into reverse, displaying a “camera temporarily unavailable” message instead of showing what’s behind the vehicle. The recall affects multiple Volvo models from 2021 to 2025 model years, and this marks the second camera-related recall for many of these same vehicles following a similar issue in May 2025.

Which Volvo Models Are Affected

This recall covers 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90 Cross Country, C40, and XC60 models, plus 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, and XC90 vehicles, along with 2025 EC40 and EX40 models. If you own any Volvo with Google Built-in infotainment manufactured during these years, your vehicle may be part of this safety recall.

Owner notification letters are expected to start mailing on February 16, 2026, and VINs tied to this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning the same date. Volvo assigned this recall the internal number R10333, and NHTSA designated it campaign 25V908.

The breadth of affected models is significant. From compact SUVs like the XC40 to luxury sedans like the S90 and three-row SUVs like the XC90, this recall cuts across Volvo’s entire lineup equipped with the vulnerable software. Similar to recent Ram truck recalls affecting over 72,000 vehicles where instrument displays went blank at critical moments, the Volvo camera failure creates a dangerous visibility gap precisely when drivers need rear vision most.

What the Rearview Camera Problem Is

Instead of showing the rearview image when you shift into reverse, the screen may display a message saying the camera is temporarily unavailable, increasing the risk of a crash. This software glitch prevents the backup camera from functioning when drivers need it for parking, backing out of driveways, or navigating tight spaces.

The defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, which governs rear visibility requirements. Since 2018, all new vehicles sold in the United States must have functioning rearview cameras, making this software failure not just inconvenient but a federal safety violation.

Volvo told Reuters the latest recall is tied to an additional software issue that causes the same symptom as the May 2025 recall, stating “the second recall follows the initial recall from May 2025, and is the result of an additional issue having been found that causes the same symptom.” This means even if your Volvo was already repaired under the previous recall (campaign 25V282), you’ll need the new software remedy to address this separate defect.

When Volvo Discovered the Defect

In April 2021, Volvo received the first report indicating a rearview camera was temporarily “not available,” and on March 24, 2025, Volvo addressed the issue alongside the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, concluding it was potentially critical. The company spent months investigating before issuing the first recall in May 2025, then discovered this additional software problem affecting the same vehicles.

Volvo introduced new software that was installed in 2026 model year cars leaving its assembly plants as of April 21, 2025, and there are currently no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this recall. The absence of accident reports suggests Volvo caught the problem before it caused serious harm, but the violation of federal safety standards makes repairs mandatory regardless.

What Volvo Is Doing to Fix It

Volvo will fix the problem with a free software update, which can be installed by dealers or delivered over the air, and the company is preparing the remedial software for all affected cars, expected to roll out over-the-air in the coming weeks. This dual approach gives owners flexibility—you can either visit a Volvo dealer for in-person service or wait for the automatic wireless update if your vehicle supports over-the-air software installation.

The over-the-air update convenience mirrors approaches seen in other recent automotive recalls where manufacturers use wireless technology to fix software-related defects without requiring dealer visits. However, not all affected Volvo models may support wireless updates, depending on their software version and connectivity features.

If you paid for repairs related to this issue before the recall was announced, Volvo says you’ll be eligible for reimbursement. Keep your repair receipts and contact Volvo customer service to submit reimbursement claims if you already paid out-of-pocket to fix this camera malfunction.

How to Check If Your Volvo Is Recalled

Don’t wait for the notification letter in the mail. Run your VIN now on NHTSA’s recall lookup tool, and keep checking if it doesn’t show up yet, as some recalls take time to load every VIN into the public database. Visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your vehicle’s 17-digit VIN, which you can find on your dashboard near the windshield, on your driver’s side door jamb, or in your vehicle registration documents.

Need a human on the phone? Owners can contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552, or call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. Volvo also maintains its own VIN-based recall lookup page at volvocars.com/us/l/recall/, where you can verify whether your specific vehicle is affected.

If you’re seeing the camera glitch already—getting “camera temporarily unavailable” messages when shifting into reverse—don’t ignore it. The defect creates genuine safety risks when you’re backing out of parking spaces, driveways, or garages where pedestrians, children, or other vehicles may be behind you.

Your Consumer Rights Under Federal Recall Law

Federal motor vehicle safety law gives you specific protections when your vehicle is recalled. All recall repairs must be performed free of charge—manufacturers cannot charge you for parts, labor, or diagnostic fees related to recall fixes. This applies whether you’re the original owner or purchased the vehicle used, and whether your warranty has expired or not.

You’re not obligated to use your original selling dealer. Any authorized Volvo dealer must perform the recall repair at no cost, giving you flexibility to choose the most convenient service location. If you already paid for repairs addressing this camera malfunction before Volvo announced the recall, federal law requires the manufacturer to reimburse you for those expenses upon request.

Volvo must repair the defect within a reasonable time frame once you schedule service. While “reasonable” isn’t precisely defined, dealers typically complete software updates within hours, and over-the-air updates install automatically overnight when your vehicle is parked and connected.

Are There Any Lawsuits Related to This Recall

As of January 2026, no class action lawsuits have been filed specifically challenging Volvo’s handling of this rearview camera recall. However, there are currently no reported crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this recall, which reduces the likelihood of product liability claims at this time.

If the camera failure caused an accident, property damage, or injuries before Volvo announced the recall, affected owners may have legal options beyond the free repair. Product liability law allows consumers to seek compensation when defective products cause harm, potentially including medical bills, vehicle damage, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the camera malfunction.

Patterns in automotive litigation suggest lawsuits could emerge if evidence shows Volvo knew about the defect earlier than disclosed or if accidents occur before all vehicles receive the fix. The fact that this is the second recall for the same symptom—following the May 2025 campaign—could raise questions about whether the initial fix was adequate or if Volvo properly investigated the root cause.

What Volvo Owners Should Do Now

First, verify whether your specific vehicle is affected by checking your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or calling Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Don’t assume your vehicle is safe just because you haven’t received a notification letter yet—NHTSA won’t post all VINs until February 16, 2026, but the defect exists now.

If your Volvo is part of the recall, decide whether you’ll wait for the over-the-air update or schedule dealer service for immediate repair. Over-the-air updates offer convenience but may take several weeks to roll out to all affected vehicles. Dealer service gets the problem fixed immediately but requires scheduling an appointment and potentially waiting at the service center.

If you’re already seeing the camera glitch, don’t play games with it—book the update through a dealer as soon as your VIN pops, because parking lots don’t forgive “temporary” visibility problems. Until your vehicle receives the software fix, exercise extra caution when backing up. Use your mirrors, turn around to look behind you, and have someone spot for you in tight spaces where possible.

Document everything if the camera failure caused any incidents. Take photos of damage, get police reports for accidents, keep medical records if anyone was injured, and save all correspondence with Volvo or your insurance company. This documentation becomes critical if you later need to file a reimbursement claim or pursue legal action.

If you already paid for repairs before the recall announcement, gather your service receipts and contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 to request reimbursement. You’ll typically need to provide the repair invoice showing the date, description of work performed, parts replaced, and amount paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive my Volvo before getting the recall fix?

Yes, the vehicle is generally safe to drive, but you must exercise extreme caution when backing up. The camera may fail without warning, so rely on your mirrors, turn around to look behind you, and avoid backing into situations with limited visibility until the software is updated.

Will the over-the-air update happen automatically?

If your Volvo supports over-the-air updates and you have automatic updates enabled, the software fix should install without action on your part. However, installation typically occurs when the vehicle is parked and off, so you may need to leave it connected to WiFi or cellular data overnight for the update to complete.

What if I already had my Volvo repaired under the May 2025 recall?

You still need this new software update. The May 2025 recall addressed a different software issue that caused the same symptom, but Volvo discovered an additional defect requiring separate remedy. Even if your camera has worked fine since the first recall repair, schedule service for this second fix.

Can I sell my Volvo before getting the recall fixed?

Yes, but federal law requires you to disclose open recalls to buyers. The unfixed recall may reduce your vehicle’s resale value, and some dealers may not accept trade-ins with open safety recalls. Getting the free repair completed strengthens your bargaining position and fulfills your disclosure obligations.

Will this recall affect my Volvo’s warranty?

No. Recall repairs don’t impact your vehicle’s warranty coverage, and federal law prohibits manufacturers from voiding warranties because vehicles have open recalls. The software update is separate from warranty service and won’t count toward your warranty limits.

What if the camera still doesn’t work after the software update?

Contact Volvo customer service immediately at 1-800-458-1552. If the recall remedy doesn’t fix the problem, the dealer must attempt additional repairs at no charge until the defect is corrected. Document all return visits and keep copies of all service records.

Are there any other Volvo recalls I should know about?

Owners of all-electric or plug-in hybrid Volvo vehicles running software version 3.5.14 may need an additional software update, as they may lose their brakes while traveling downhill in “B” mode or with one-pedal driving active. Check your VIN for all open recalls, not just the camera issue, to ensure your vehicle receives all necessary safety fixes.

Additional Resources and Next Steps

Visit NHTSA’s official recall lookup tool at nhtsa.gov/recalls to search your VIN and view all open recalls affecting your Volvo. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of vehicle safety recalls, and their website includes detailed recall information, remedy descriptions, and manufacturer contact details.

Volvo’s official recall information page at volvocars.com/us/l/recall/ allows you to enter your VIN and see Volvo-specific recall details, schedule service appointments, and access over-the-air update status if your vehicle supports wireless software installation.

For questions about the recall process, software update timing, or reimbursement claims for prior repairs, contact Volvo customer service directly at 1-800-458-1552. Representatives can provide specific information about your vehicle’s recall status, help schedule dealer service, and process reimbursement requests for expenses you incurred before the recall announcement.

If you believe the camera defect caused an accident or injury, consult with a qualified product liability attorney who specializes in automotive defects. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations to evaluate whether you have grounds for legal action beyond the recall remedy. The Center for Auto Safety at autosafety.org provides consumer resources about vehicle defects, recall rights, and when to seek legal advice.

State attorneys general offices maintain consumer protection divisions that can help resolve disputes with automakers over recall repairs, warranty coverage, or reimbursement claims. Visit your state attorney general’s website to file complaints or seek assistance if Volvo refuses to honor its recall obligations or reimburse eligible expenses.

Last Updated: January 23, 2026

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Own an affected Volvo? Check your VIN now at nhtsa.gov/recalls before February 16—don’t wait for the letter in the mail.

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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