Volvo Lemon Law in California

Volvo is known for safety, but even Volvo’s SUVs, wagons, and electric models have been hit with serious recalls — including brake-failure and fire-risk campaigns covering thousands of plug-in hybrids and EVs. If your Volvo keeps going back to the dealership for the same brake, battery, electrical, or software problem, you may have rights under the California Lemon Law. When a manufacturer cannot repair a substantial warranty defect after a reasonable number of attempts, California law may require it to buy the vehicle back or replace it.

American Lemon Law Group represents California Volvo owners on a contingency basis — no cost to you unless we win. Call (877) 311-1133 for a free case review.

Does Your Volvo Qualify Under the California Lemon Law?

The California Lemon Law — the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act — protects owners and lessees of new and certain used vehicles still covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Your Volvo may qualify if:

• It was bought or leased in California with a manufacturer’s warranty
• It has a substantial defect that affects its use, value, or safety
• The dealer has made a reasonable number of repair attempts and the problem remains

Generally, a “reasonable number of attempts” can mean two or more tries for a serious safety defect, four or more for the same recurring problem, or 30 or more days out of service for warranty repairs. These are guidelines, not strict limits. Not sure where you stand? Our Do I Qualify Under the Lemon Law page walks through the criteria, and our California Lemon Law Process page explains what happens next.

Common Volvo Problems That May Lead to a Lemon Law Claim

The issues below are documented in federal recall filings and NHTSA data. Many affect Volvo’s plug-in hybrid and electric models — see our Lemon Law for EVs page for more.

Brake Failure in Plug-In Hybrid and Electric Models

In 2025, Volvo recalled plug-in hybrid and electric models over a software error in the brake control module. According to NHTSA, if a vehicle coasts downhill for more than about a minute and a half in regenerative “B” mode (plug-in hybrids) or One Pedal Drive (EVs) without the driver touching the pedals, it can lose all braking — including the normal friction brakes. Affected models include the 2020–2026 XC90 plug-in hybrid, 2022–2026 XC60 plug-in hybrid, 2023–2025 S60, 2024–2025 V60, and 2023–2026 XC40 Recharge, among others. The fix is a free software update, and NHTSA advised owners not to use those driving modes until the repair is complete.

Rearview Camera Failure

In May 2025, Volvo recalled more than 413,000 vehicles because the rearview camera image may not appear when the car is shifted into reverse — a violation of the federal rear-visibility standard. The recall spans many 2021–2025 models, including the XC40, XC60, XC90, S60, S90, V60, and V90. Dealers or an over-the-air update correct the software.

High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk

Volvo has issued recalls over high-voltage battery defects that can overheat and cause a fire. A 2025 recall covered thousands of hybrid models, and a separate early-2026 recall involving the EX30 carried a fire-risk warning advising owners to park outside, away from structures, and limit charging until repaired. Battery fire risks are among the most serious defects a vehicle can have.

EX90 Tailgate and Headlight Defects

Volvo’s electric flagship, the EX90, has been recalled for two safety issues: a spindle nut in the power tailgate that can detach and cause the tailgate to suddenly drop, and a software fault that can cause the headlight shutters to close over the beams while driving, reducing visibility. Dealers repair both at no charge.

Engine No-Start (ECM Software)

Certain 2022–2023 Volvo S60, V60, S90, XC60, and XC90 models were recalled because an engine control module software error may prevent the gas engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power. If your Volvo has stalled or failed to start repeatedly, keep those repair records.

What Your Volvo Lemon Law Buyback Could Include

If your Volvo qualifies, a buyback (also called a repurchase) generally requires the manufacturer to refund:

• Your down payment and monthly payments
• The remaining loan payoff
• Taxes, license, and registration fees
• Incidental costs such as towing and rental cars

The refund is reduced only by a statutory “mileage offset” for the miles you drove before your first repair visit. Our California Lemon Law Buyback Guide explains exactly how the amount is calculated. In some cases, you may also be entitled to a civil penalty if the manufacturer acted willfully. Leased your Volvo? You may still qualify — see our Lemon Law for Leased Vehicles page. Bought certified pre-owned? Review our Certified Pre-Owned page.

Volvo Models We Handle

We help California owners and lessees with lemon law claims across the Volvo lineup, including:

• Volvo XC90, XC60, and XC40
• Volvo S60 and S90 sedans
• Volvo V60 and V90 wagons
• Volvo electric models — EX90, EX40, EC40, and EX30
• Volvo plug-in hybrid (Recharge) variants

Many Volvo claims involve SUVs and EVs — see our SUV Lemon Law and EV Lemon Law pages for related vehicle types.

The California Lemon Law Process for Volvo Owners

1. Gather your repair orders, invoices, and any communication with the dealer
2. Confirm your warranty status and the number of repair attempts
3. Have your case reviewed — we’ll tell you honestly whether you likely qualify
4. We handle the claim and negotiate with Volvo; most cases settle without trial

Because the Song-Beverly Act shifts attorney fees to the manufacturer in successful cases, most clients pay nothing out of pocket.

Why California Volvo Owners Choose American Lemon Law Group

• More than $50 million recovered for California consumers
• 99% success rate and 1,000+ cases won
• 35+ years of experience
• No cost to you unless we win

Volvo Lemon Law FAQ

How many repair attempts before my Volvo qualifies?

There’s no single magic number, but California generally looks at two or more attempts for a serious safety defect, four or more for the same recurring issue, or 30+ days out of service. Strong claims can sometimes be built outside those exact figures.

My Volvo was recalled. Can I still file a lemon law claim?

Possibly. A recall repair and a lemon law claim are separate things. If the defect kept coming back, or the vehicle was out of service for an extended time, your repair records may still support a claim.

Does Volvo have to pay my attorney fees?

In successful California lemon law cases, the manufacturer is generally required to pay reasonable attorney fees and costs — which is why most clients pay nothing upfront.

What if my Volvo is leased or financed?

Leased and financed vehicles can both qualify. The refund is handled a little differently, but you may still recover your payments and costs.

My Volvo problem is a software issue. Can that still be a lemon?

Yes. A persistent software defect that affects safety or drivability — like the brake, camera, or headlight issues above — can support a claim if repeated update attempts don’t fix it.

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and is not legal advice. Every case is different. Recall and litigation details change over time; confirm the current recall status for your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Speak with a qualified California lemon law attorney about your specific situation.