Stockholm/Beijing – Volvo is under pressure following reports of a Volvo S90 experiencing sudden, unexplained braking incidents while in motion. The incidents, detailed in a recent report by the Zhejiang-based news program 1818 Golden Eye, have raised concerns about the reliability of the vehicle’s safety systems and Volvo’s explanation for the issue.
Mr. Zhang, the owner of the vehicle, purchased his Volvo S90 for approximately 400,000 yuan (roughly $55,000 USD) in June 2022. The car is equipped with an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system designed to prevent collisions at speeds below 30 km/h (approximately 19 mph). While Mr. Zhang acknowledged the system had been helpful in preventing a rear-end collision once, he also reported several instances where the car braked unexpectedly and without apparent cause.
According to Mr. Zhang, the first incident occurred in October 2023 on a highway. While traveling at approximately 80 km/h (50 mph), the car suddenly braked. Fortunately, no other vehicles were nearby, and an accident was avoided. At the time, the Volvo dealership reportedly attributed the issue to small insects obstructing the car’s sensors.
A more serious incident occurred in April of last year. While driving in urban traffic at around 50 km/h (31 mph), the car braked abruptly, resulting in a rear-end collision with another vehicle. Unfortunately, Mr. Zhang’s dashcam was malfunctioning at the time, making it impossible to determine fault. He has since replaced the dashcam.
The most recent incidents occurred on February 28th. While making a left turn in the city, the car suddenly braked. A similar incident occurred minutes later while driving in an underground parking garage.
Following these incidents, Mr. Zhang took his vehicle to the dealership for inspection.
Volvo has responded to the reports, stating that the braking incidents were not due to a product quality issue. According to IT Home, Volvo claims that the braking situation reported by the customer was not a product quality issue. Analysis of videos and simulation experiments confirmed that the phenomenon occurred because the electronic parking brake was touched and engaged during driving.
Mr. Zhang has expressed dissatisfaction with Volvo’s explanation and intends to continue negotiations with the company.
The incident raises several questions about the sensitivity of Volvo’s electronic parking brake system and the potential for accidental engagement while driving. It also highlights the importance of reliable dashcam footage in resolving liability disputes in the event of an accident.
This situation is developing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern automotive safety systems and the importance of thorough investigation when unexpected malfunctions occur.
References:
- IT Home. (2024, March 17). 沃尔沃被曝在行驶中无故自动刹停，回应称电子手刹被触碰拉起 [Volvo reportedly braking automatically for no reason, responds that electronic handbrake was touched and pulled up]. Retrieved from [Insert IT Home Article URL Here]
- 1818 Golden Eye. (2024, March). [Report on Volvo braking incident]. Zhejiang Television. (Note: Specific episode details and URL would be added if available).
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