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RecallGazette

Vehicle problems, recalls & safety intelligence

Engineering Analysis · Closed

SEAT FIRES

Action number
EA02019
Opened
Aug 22, 2002
Closed
Dec 18, 2002
Outcome
Recall 02V314000

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC

This investigation led to a recall

NHTSA links this probe to recall campaign 02V314000.

Read the recall: what is defective and the free fix →

What NHTSA is examining

Volvo is conducting a safety recall based on its analysis of complaints and technical information developed during its investigation.volvo'ssurvey of vehicles routinely brought in for maintenance at east-coast dealerships produced evidence that bare metal wires (that provide support for the seat bottom) can contact the thermostat and electrical wiresin or beneath the seat cushion.this can result in an electrical short.volvo confirmed in testing that if such a condition is present, the short to the wire seat support could cause burning of the seat cushion without activating (opening) the seat heater fuse.volvo will replace the entire thermostat assembly with an electronic timer delay unit.

Vehicles under investigation

1996 Volvo 8501997 Volvo 8501996 Volvo 8541997 Volvo 8541996 Volvo 8551997 Volvo 855

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation records, updated daily. An investigation is not a determination that a defect exists; many probes close without a recall.