Volvo 400 Series Recall R/1996/058: Possibility Of An Underbonnet Fire, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 30 Aug 1996
- Launched
- 92,823
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1996/058
- DVSA reference
Volvo recalled 400 Series vehicles built between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1995. A faulty electrical connection at the rear of the alternator can cause arcing with a possible risk of an underbonnet fire. The recall notice describes the fix as: :- A) The installation of a line fuse between the battery and the B+ connection on the alternator. B) Install a non rotational device at the B+ connection at the rear of the alternator. Any B+ cable showing signs of damage. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
A faulty electrical connection at the rear of the alternator can cause arcing with a possible risk of an underbonnet fire.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBILITY OF AN UNDERBONNET FIRE Defect: A faulty electrical connection at the rear of the alternator can cause arcing with a possible risk of an underbonnet fire. Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles for:- A) The installation of a line fuse between the battery and the B+ connection on the alternator. B) Install a non rotational device at the B+ connection at the rear of the alternator. Any B+ cable showing signs of damage
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause arcing with a possible risk of an underbonnet fire.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: :- A) The installation of a line fuse between the battery and the B+ connection on the alternator. B) Install a non rotational device at the B+ connection at the rear of the alternator. Any B+ cable showing signs of damage.
Are You Affected?
400 Series built between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1995 may be included. Volvo estimates 92,823 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volvo, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volvo.
- Book with any franchised Volvo dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1996/058. See how to get a Volvo recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 SeriesChafing of injector cable harness | Urgent | R/1992/041 | |
| XC40CMA cell modules | Urgent | R/2026/272 | |
| EX30, EX30CCHV Battery | Urgent | R/2025/559 | |
| S60, S90, V60, V90 and 2 moreCell Modules | Urgent | R/2025/117 | |
| S60, V60, XC40During driving or idle the O-Ring may become twisted or break. Should this occur there could be an oil leak a message for low engine oil level displayed in the vehicle or an unusual smell in the cabin. In a worst case scenario this could cause a thermal event | Urgent | R/2023/263 |
This is one of 175 Volvo recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volvo recall launched before it was R/1995/071 on 15 Dec 1995, for possibility of short circuiting with fire risk. The one launched after it was R/1996/099 on 25 Oct 1996, for possibility of throttle sticking. You can also see every Volvo recall, all recalls launched in 1996 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/1996/058, launched 30 August 1996. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.