The problem
Volvo is recalling 7 my 2008 v50 passenger vehicles equipped with roof rails. Bolts have been found to be out of specification. This has caused less tread length on the bolts which in turn has lead to insufficient clamping force in the joint due to the washer getting stuck when tightening the bolts.
The risk
When carrying roof cargo, the rails may come loose during heavy braking and/or sudden stops increasing the possibility of a crash.
The fix
Due to the limited number of vehicles involved, owners have been notified and will have the roof rail bolts replaced free of charge. Owners may contact volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Contacts
Volvo recall no. R196. Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Volvo dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 08V197000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.