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Volvo hydraulic brake recalls: loose pedal joints and B mode braking
These three recalls split between Volvo's heavy trucks and its electrified cars. On 2021 VNL, VNR, VAH and VHD trucks, damaged collets in the pneumatic pass-through plate can let a brass fitting release the air brake line and apply the parking brakes without warning. On the car side, the 2020 S60, V60, S90, XC60 and XC90 hybrids may have a loose pushrod screw joint between the brake pedal and the hydraulic brake unit. The largest is a software recall reaching 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, 2025 S90 PHEV, 2023 C40 BEV, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2025 EC40 and 2025-2026 EX40, where braking can be lost while coasting downhill in B mode or One Pedal Drive.
Warning signs to watch for
- Parking brakes grabbing or applying on their own while a 2021 truck is moving
- Air escaping at the pneumatic pass-through plate, or an air brake line that has worked loose
- A brake pedal that feels loose or has extra travel on a 2020 Volvo hybrid
- Reduced or missing braking while coasting down a hill using B mode or One Pedal Drive
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of the three notices tells you to park the vehicle. Volvo does, however, tell owners of the affected plug-in hybrids and electric models not to use B mode or One Pedal Drive at all until the brake module software update is completed — use normal pedal braking instead. The 2021 truck fitting recall and the 2020 hybrid pushrod joint are inspect-right-away items; both involve losing braking or unexpected brake application, so treat the appointment as urgent rather than routine.
What the free repair involves
All three repairs are free. On 2021 trucks, dealers inspect the air brake line where it enters the pass-through plate to confirm the fitting is properly engaged. On the 2020 hybrids, they tighten the brake pedal pushrod screw joint. For the B mode and One Pedal Drive recall, the brake module software is updated over the air or by a dealer.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 2 |
| high | 1 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-06-12 | Volvo hybrids and EVs can lose braking while coasting downhill | critical |
| 2024-10-23 | Volvo XC60 hybrid brake pedal connection may be loose | high |
| 2020-12-15 | Volvo trucks may apply parking brakes without warning | critical |
Common questions
Can I still use One Pedal Drive while I wait?
No. Volvo advises owners not to use One Pedal Drive on the pure electric models, or B mode on the plug-in hybrids, until the repair is completed. Braking normally with the brake pedal is what the notice points you to instead.
Do I have to visit a dealer for the software update?
Not necessarily. Volvo says the brake module software will be updated over the air or at a dealer, so many owners can receive it without an appointment. Volvo Car customer service is at 1-800-458-1552 if you are unsure.
Why is a truck recall listed under hydraulic brakes?
NHTSA files the 2021 VNL, VNR, VAH and VHD recall in this component group even though the defective part is a brass fitting in a pneumatic pass-through plate. The concern is the parking brakes applying unexpectedly, and the dealer inspection is free.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.