Engine problem in Volvo cars, company mulls recall

Volvo, a Sweden based auto maker, would inform its customers across Europe of an engine problem that could cause their cars to suddenly accelerate, with this the company would recall the affected models if necessary.

Volvo is now sending out a letter to about 150,000 customers, spread in approximately 30 markets, telling them that the company is investigating a technical issue relating to increased oil levels in diesel engines with particle filters, as per a statement given by Volvo cars spokesman Per-Aake Froeberg. The company would consider a recall if its investigation showed that such action was necessary, he added.

Explaining the possible fault Mr Froeberg said that, the problem is that engine oil may enter the combustion chamber and act as additional fuel. This leads to maintained or increased engine speed. It could be that when driver takes his foot off the accelerator and the car keeps the same pace as before or it might, in some isolated cases, also increase the speed.

The fault surfaced after several incidents were reported by different customers in last quarter last year, the possible fault can include eight car models that have a five cylinder diesel engine with a diesel particle filter. The first notification letters would land in customer post boxes by the end of this week, said Froeberg.