Volvo S80, XC90 Recall R/2005/168: Battery Ground Cable May Short Circuit, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 21 Nov 2005
- Launched
- 911
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2005/168
- DVSA reference
Volvo recalled S80, XC90 vehicles. The battery positive cable may be in conflict with the starter motor solenoid. The dealer will check the distance between the battery positive cable and adjusted if the clearance is less than 4mm. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The battery positive cable may be in conflict with the starter motor solenoid. If a conflict does develop a short circuit of the battery ground cable will occur. This may result in smoke appearing from under the bonnet or a failure to start with warning lamps illuminated.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: BATTERY GROUND CABLE MAY SHORT CIRCUIT Defect: The battery positive cable may be in conflict with the starter motor solenoid. If a conflict does develop a short circuit of the battery ground cable will occur. This may result in smoke appearing from under the bonnet or a failure to start with warning lamps illuminated. Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the distance between the battery positive cable checked and adjusted if the clearance is less than 4mm.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in smoke appearing from under the bonnet or a failure to start with warning lamps illuminated.
The Fix
The dealer will check the distance between the battery positive cable and adjusted if the clearance is less than 4mm.
Are You Affected?
S80, XC90 may be included. Volvo estimates 911 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/2005/168. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| XC90Front seat belts | Urgent | R/2025/517 | |
| C40, S90, V60, V90 and 3 moreSafety Notice | Urgent | R/2025/211 | |
| S60, S90, V60, V90 and 2 moreCell Modules | Urgent | R/2025/117 | |
| S60, S90, V60, V90 and 3 morePush Road | Urgent | R/2024/446 | |
| XC60, XC90Seat and seat belt torque | Urgent | R/2024/124 |
This is one of 175 Volvo recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volvo recall launched before it was R/2005/046 on 2 Mar 2005, for windscreen may separate from support areas on impact. The one launched after it was R/2006/089 on 10 May 2006, for steering may fail. You can also see every Volvo recall, the Volvo XC90 recall history, all recalls launched in 2005 and door and latch recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2005/168, launched 21 November 2005. 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.