Volvo Published Statement

[Bay13]

The following is a statement concerning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

(NHTSA) Preliminary Evaluation (PE05-041) for the Electronic Throttle Control Module (ETM) in

certain Volvo Cars.

Background:

NHTSA has requested from Volvo Cars of North America a report (Preliminary Evaluation – PE) for

Electronic Throttle Control Module. Below is their official request:

"This letter is to inform you (Volvo) that the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE05-041)

to investigate allegations that the Electronic Throttle Control Module (ETM) may fail

resulting in a loss of throttle control in model year (MY) 1999 through 2001 C70, S60, S70, S80,

V70, and V70XC vehicles equipped with ETM and manufactured by Volvo, and to request

certain information.

This office (NHTSA) has received one hundred and thirty-six (136) vehicle owner questionnaires

(VOQs)alleging incidents of ETM failure resulting in loss of, or diminished, throttle control in

MY 1999 through 2001 C70, S60, S70, S80, V70, and V70XC vehicles. Some of the VOQs allege

a sudden and complete stall without warning; some VOQs allege a sudden loss of speed and

power steering assist while driving at highway speeds in heavy traffic; and some of the VOQs

report vehicle speed surging causing an unexpected lurch forward towards other vehicles or into

crossing traffic. Additionally some VOQs allege having multiple ETM replacements only to

have throttle control concerns return. A copy of each of the reports is enclosed for your

information."

· Volvo Cars is cooperating fully with NHTSA's inquiry, which will try to determine the scope,

frequency, and if there are safety consequences due to the alleged defect.

· Any customers seeking additional information should contact Volvo Customer Care at

1-800-458-1552.

· Any Volvo Retailers or employees contacted by news media should refer the media contact to

Volvo Cars North America Corporate Communications, Dan Johnston (201) 784-4504 or

James Hope (949) 341-6717.

Q and A

Q: What models and years are in this investigation?

A: Model year 1999 – 2001 C70 (coupe and convertible), S60, S70, V70, V70XC, S80, and model year

1999 – 2000 S70 and V70.

Q: NHTSA refers to loss of power steering. Is the steering assist completely gone when the ETM

malfunctions?

A: We believe the engine speed will be reduced. The car is still steer-able; however, with much greater

effort than with power assist.

Q: Is this a recall?

A: The PE from NHTSA is a request for further fact finding. This is not a recall. A PE is the first request

for information. If it is not resolved at this point it is followed by an Engineering Analysis, then a resolution

stage. Each is unique and, depending on complexity of the issue, may be resolved quickly or may not.