Investigation PE98043: 1998 Volvo V70

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Aug 5, 1998

Closed

Oct 21, 1998

Model years

1998

Subject

Exhaust pipe burns

Component: Vehicle speed control › Linkages

Summary

Odi opened this investigation based on two reports of children receiving burns on their leg from the hot exhaust pipe while exiting 1998 model year v70 wagons via the rear liftgate.these vehicles were equipped with a dealer installed rear facing children's auxiliary seat (auxiliary seat).entry to andexit from the auxiliary seat is only available through the rear liftgate.the end of the exhaust pipe, or exhaust pipe extension, on the v70 model protudes beyound the rear bunper fascia thrus increasing the likelihood that auxiliary seat occupants will burn themselves when exiting the vehicle.additionally, a third child was also burned on it's leg while walking around the rear of the vehicle.volvo's analysis of this issue revealed 14 additional reports resulting in 18 injuries.volvo has agreed to conduct a safety recall on the affected vehicles.all registered owners of the subject vehicles will notified via first class mail, as volvo cannot determine who may have had an auxiliary seat installed in their vehicle.the notification to all subject vehicle owners will also effctively inform those owners who may wish to have an auxiliary seat added to their vehicles in the future.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1998 Volvo V70187 complaints