Volvo is recalling 145,000 cars because the doors might open unexpectedly

If you have a 2011-2017 Volvo in your garage, check your VIN.

The automaker is recalling 144,937 sedans and wagons from the 2011-2017 model years because the vehicles’ doors may open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.

The cars involved in the recall include certain S60, S60I, V60, S60CC and V60CC vehicles. It is estimated that 100% of the cars included in the recall will have the defect.

A component within the door latches on these vehicles may break, which would make the doors difficult to latch and/or lead the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not. The latch may weaken and break while being used after being exposed to extreme hot climate over time.

A new design was introduced in 2016, which is why only cars through model year 2017 are being recalled.

While the latch may break off while being used (for example, when the door is opened), the potential risk for the door opening while driving cannot be excluded. That includes the possibility of the door opening while reversing or turning a corner. If there is an unbelted occupant and the door opens, the occupant may be injured.

Volvo dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge.

You can see if your vehicle is included in the recall by checking your VIN on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website or on Volvo’s recall site.

If you have questions or concerns, you can call the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or Volvo’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552.

The NHTSA’s campaign number is 19V849. Volvo’s number for this recall is R89978.

Do you have a vehicle that may be included in this recall?