2011 Volvo S60

2011 Volvo S60

Volvo is blaming a software glitch for its latest recall of all 2011 model year S60 and S80 sedans and XC60 and XC70 crossovers. A total of 6,046 vehicles are involved in the latest recall, which is scheduled to take effect on December 10, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"The software calibration for the fuel cutoff functionality in the engine control module is too sensitive," the NHTSA said on its website. "Sudden engine stall could occur, increasing the risk of a crash."

Volvo explains that the problem occurs when the driver is braking during city driving and/or releases the accelerator pedal.

"The engine idle speed may drop, resulting in a sudden engine stall without any prior warning," the automaker said in a statement. "If this condition occurs, the transmission control unit will enter a temporary protection mode in order to prevent damage to the vehicle's transmission. When starting the vehicle again, the driver can operate the vehicle safely home or to an authorized Volvo repair facility, but may experience a louder than usual transmission and a harder gear engagement."

The remedy involves a simple software upgrade to the engine and transmission electronic control modules. This is a free service that will be performance at Volvo dealerships.

[NHTSA via TheCarConnection]