Volvo denies recalls of S60 and XC60 in China

Volvo has denied reports that it has recalled 11,119 units of its 2012 models of S60 and XC60 cars in China. According to news reports, the recalls were made to fix a faulty wiring problem under the front seat that could lead to potential airbag failure. China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, a government body, had on Friday mentioned about the recall on their website. Apparently, the company is also calling in 1,679 cars for underbody coating inspection that may penetrate fuel lines and cause fuel leakage.

Brushing aside the recall reports, Volvo Cars Corporation China spokesman Ning Shuyong said the recalls will affect only US customers. Shyong has been quoted by China Economic Review as saying, “The cars imported into the Chinese market and the cars sold in the US market have different automotive electrical equipment. If vehicles sold in the US market have problems, it does not mean there's also the same problem in the Chinese market."

The US recall will begin from March 30, 2012. The models affected have been identified as those manufactured between May 16, 2011 and October 6, 2011. The cars will undergo free checks and repairs according to the company.

This isn’t the first time Volvo has issued recalls. In fact, reports say that in China alone, Volvo conducted some eight recalls last year involving 8,500 units. The company sold over 2 lakh vehicles during the first half of 2011 in China, implying that only 10 percent have been recalled of the total number of vehicles sold. 

Recalls by car companies have become a regular affair. Even luxury brands like BMW, Jaguar and Porsche are increasingly issuing recalls proving that no auto-maker is immune to bugs and defects. In fact, even as we report on Volvo, news has poured in that Porsche has recalled (yet again) 1,232 units of the 911 Carrera S because of a problem with the fuel line.