Electrical System. Review the 158 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 145 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports

Power Train complaints

145 reports

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195,000 miles · Apr 14, 2020

Power TrainSteering

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I AM CONCERNED THESE 2 ISSUES MAY POSE A SAFETY RISK. I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A FRIEND AND HAVE HAD IT ABOUT A MONTH. I NOTICE THE STEERING IS VERY STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. I WAS TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THIS BUT HAVING NO LUCK. ALSO, WHEN THE CAR IS IN GEAR "DRIVE", WHEN STOPPED ON AN INCLINE (EVEN THE SLIGHTEST HILL) I NOTICE THAT WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR ROLLS BACKWARDS! IT SHOULDN'T DO THAT. THE TRANSMISSION NOTICE ON THE DASH IS SAYING IT NEEDS SERVICE BUT MY FRIEND I BOUGHT IT FROM SAID SHE HAD IT CHECKED TWICE AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NO TRANSMISSION ISSUE. IS THERE A RECALL ON POWER-TRAIN/TRANS PARTS? THE CAR SHOULD NOT ROLL BACKWARDS WHEN IN GEAR "DRIVE", EVEN IF I AM STOPPED ON A HILL. EVEN A SLIGHT INCLINE AND THE CAR ROLLS BACK. NOT NORMAL. THANK YOU FOR ANY AND ALL HELP YOU CAN OFFER. THIS ISN'T AN "INCIDENT" BUT I DO NOT KNOW WHO ELSE TO CONTACT FOR HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11321055

125,000 miles · Jan 10, 2020

Power Train

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF THIRD GEAR. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO ALERTED TO A MESSAGE DISPLAY WHICH INDICATED A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL. NIELLO VOLVO CARS SACRAMENTO LOCATED AT 4609 MADISON AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95841, (916) 488-2400), WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V434000 (WHEELS). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #11298455

116,000 miles · Dec 5, 2019

Air BagsElectrical SystemPower Train

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WHILE I'M MOTION THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON TRANSMISSION URGENT LIGHT CAME ON AND ABS LIGHT THE BATTERY KEEPS BUBBLING LIKE ITS GONE BLOW UP IN MY TRUNK I HAVE TO JUMP IT OFF EVERY MORNING I PAID ALOT FOR THIS SUV CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME KEEP MY ONLY CAR IN WORKING ORDER I HAVE HAD ALL MAINTAINS DONE IN PAST NOW THE COOLANT SYSTEM IS LEAKING WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS VOLVO XC90 T6 AWD [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

NHTSA ODI #11287254

125,000 miles · Apr 29, 2019

Power Train

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THE VOLVO HAS CONSTANT ISSUES WHEN SHIFTING AND GETTING STUCK IN A SPECIFIC GEAR. ALSO IT WILL DECIDE TO DOWN SHIFT OUT OF KNOW WHERE. I CAN BE DOING 55 ON THE HIGHWAY THEN IT SLAMS INTO 3RD AND I LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ALMOST MAKING ME CRASH. MECHANICS DO NOT SEE ANYTHING WEONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION IE ITS GOING BAD BUT SOMETHING IS MAKING THE VEHICLE DO THIS. SOFTWARE POSSIBLY TCM NOT WORKING PROPERLY BUT MY MECHANIC ALSO INSEPECTED THAT. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY WELL KNOWN AND UNSAFE CONDITION.

NHTSA ODI #11204640

113,223 miles · Apr 2, 2019

Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

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BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WITH 112,000 MILES ON IT, IT HAS A GAS LEAK TRICKLING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE GAS TANK, PROBABLY A BAD SENDING UNIT, FUMES ARE BAD SOME DAYS BUT WORSE ON WARMER DAYS. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ONE DAY WITH NO WARNING OR LIGHT, IT JUST LOST MOMENTUM AND FAILED TO ENGAGE IN DRIVE. I THINK THIS IS DUE TO THE POOR ENGINEERING DESIGN VOLVO USED. THIS MODEL IS THE T6 WITH THE GM 4T65E TRANSMISSION WHICH IS WIDELY KNOWN TO FAIL EVEN AT LOW MILES. I THINK A FULL SAFETY RECALL SHOULD E SANCTIONED FOR ALL MODEL YEARS WITH THESE HORRIBLE PROBLEMS

NHTSA ODI #11193422

168,000 miles · Jul 2, 2018

Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train

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SIMILAR TO MANY OTHERS, WHILE DRIVING OUR 2004 VOLVO XC90, WE HEAR A CLICK, THEN THE CLIMATE, RADIO AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS (IF ON) SHUT OFF AND THEIR DISPLAY LIGHTS BLACK OUT, THEN ANOTHER CLICK IN A FRACTION OF A SECOND AND THEY COME BACK ON. THIS WAS HAPPENING RANDOMLY, AND NOTHING ELSE WAS AFFECTED, UNTIL THIS WEEKEND, WHILE ON A TRIP. WE WERE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS, OUTSIDE TEMP IN THE 80'S, NO RAIN, AVERAGE SPEED ABOUT 70MPH. IT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES OVER ABOUT 45 MINUTES, THEN BEGAN HAPPENING EVERY 5 MILES OR SO. WHEN I TURNED UP THE AC FAN, WITHIN ABOUT A MINUTE IT CLICKED AND WE LOST THE USUAL THINGS, BUT THEY DID NOT COME BACK ON. THEN WE HEARD ANOTHER CLICK AND LOST ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTING AND CONTROLS; WE COULD NOT SEE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, THE CLIMATE CONTROL WAS BLOWING HOT AIR AND COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF OR TURNED DOWN, AND WE HAD NO IDEA WHAT SPEED WE WERE GOING AS IT WAS NIGHTTIME. EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS. WE MADE IT TO THE FIRST EXIT THAT HAD A GAS STATION AND STOPPED. THE CAR WAS VERY HARD TO ACCELERATE WHEN WE GOT OFF AT THE EXIT AS WELL. I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS BUT WHEN I OPENED THE MOON ROOF, IT STOPPED HALF WAY AND THEN WOULD NOT CLOSE OR OPEN. WE WERE STRANDED FOR HOURS AWAITING A FAMILY MEMBER TO COME GET US AND THEN HOURS LONGER WAITING FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED. OUR MECHANIC RESEARCHED THIS AND ENCOURAGED ME TO REPORT, AS HE SAID THERE SEEM TO BE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS OF SIMILAR THINGS HAPPENING WITH THIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11105167

210,000 miles · Jun 28, 2018

Power Train

TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY. NUMEROUS OF PROBLEMS INVOLVING OTHERS. NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ON HIGHWAY DID NOT WANT TO GO DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. COULD OF BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN THEY OBVIOUSLY KNOW THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS A PROBLEM

NHTSA ODI #11104457

110,000 miles · Feb 26, 2018

Power Train

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WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR TO RAMSEY VOLVO FOR SERVICE, VOLVO RECOMMENDED THE ANGLE GEAR RESEAL SERVICE BECAUSE THE ANGLE GEAR BOX IS LEAKING AS SHOWN IN THE ATTACHED PICTURE. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH ALL VOLVO XC90S, SO MUCH SO THAT IT CAN BE CLASSIFIED AS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, AND QUALIFIES AS A RECALL IN MY OPINION. THE ANGLE GEAR BOX IS AN UNDISTURBED PART AND IS SUPPOSED TO BE SEALED FOR THE LIFETIME OF THE CAR. WHEN THE FLUID IN THE ANGLE GEAR BOX IS COMPLETELY LEAKED OUT, WHICH IS SOMETHING WITH NO INDICATION WHATSOEVER, THE CAR WOULD LOSE ALL WHEEL DRIVE ACCORDING TO VOLVO. WHEN THAT HAPPENS IN A SLIPPERY SITUATION WITH ICE OR SNOW, THE CAR IS MOST LIKELY TO LOSE CONTROL AND WOULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH POTENTIAL LOSS OF LIVES. I WOULD LIKE VOLVO TO VOLUNTARILY RECALL ALL VOLVO XC90S TO FIX ALL LEAKING ANGLE GEAR BOXES SO NO LIVES WOULD BE LOST.

NHTSA ODI #11075114

169,335 miles · Jan 9, 2017

Power Train

TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE AND FAILS EVERY 50,000 MILES WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT AS VEHICLE BECOMES INOPERABLE (STOPS AND CANNOT BE MOVED) THIS IS THE 3RD TRANSMISSION INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE BY VOLVO. EACH OF THE TRANSMISSIONS HAVE FAILED AROUND 50,000 MILES WITHOUT WARNING.

NHTSA ODI #10944012

172,000 miles · Oct 31, 2016

Power TrainWheels

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLVO XC90. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, BUT WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V434000 (WHEELS). THE CONTACT STATED T…

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NHTSA ODI #10920360

Official recalls

10V566000 · Equipment:electrical:navigational System(global Positioning System)

Nov 8, 2010

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH GARMIN 760 PORTABLE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) UNITS BECAUSE THE BATTERIES ON THOSE UNITS MAY OVERHEAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN OVERHEATED BATTERY COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.

Remedy: VOLVO ADVISES OWNERS TO PLEASE STOP USING THE GARMIN PORTABLE GPS DEVICE IMMEDIATELY, AND VISIT THE GARMIN WEBSITE TO DETERMINE IF THEIR UNIT IS AFFECTED. THE UNIT'S BATTERY WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW BATTERY AND A SPACER WILL BE INSERTED ON TOP OF THE BATTERY NEXT TO THE PCB. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN AT 866-957-1981 OR VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.

09V483000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Dec 18, 2009

VOLVO IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2005 S80, MODEL YEAR 2001-2004 V70, S60, XC70 AND MODEL YEAR 2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES SOLD IN OR REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, ARKANSAS, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, KENTUCKY, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, NORTH CAROLINA, OKLAHOMA, SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, TEXAS, UTAH, VIRGINIA AND THE U.S. TERRITORIES. WHEN EXPOSED TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATE AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) OVER TIME AND IN COMBINATION WITH VARYING FUEL QUALITY, THE FUEL PUMP CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE CONDITION OCCURS VEHICLE OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL PUMP INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE, AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

06V155000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

May 5, 2006

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES,THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT CAN DEFORM AT HIGH LOADS CAUSING A LOSS OF THE CLAMPING FORCE AND THE NUT MAY LOOSEN, WHICH MAY EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE OUTER TIE ROD BALL JOINT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE THAT THE VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS WITH IMPROVED OUTER BALL JOINT TIE RODS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

06V144000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Apr 28, 2006

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, IF THE WIPER ARM IS ACTIVATED IN EXTREME WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS AND WITHOUT LIFTING THE WIPER ARMS AND CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD PRIOR TO MOVING, THE WIPER ARM MIGHT SLIP ON ITS DRIVESHAFT, RESULTING IN AN INABILITY TO MOVE THE WIPERS FROM THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: INOPERATIVE WIPERS UNDER INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS COULD CAUSE A CRASH DUE TO IMPAIRED VISIBILITY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER ARMS AND RETAINING NUTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

03V434000 · Wheels

Nov 4, 2003

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS MAY BE DEFECTIVE, CAUSING AN ERRONEOUS WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING BRAKE, ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, AND TORQUE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL WHICH RELY ON THIS SIGNAL FOR PROPER OPERATION.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT WHEEL SENSORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO CARS AT 1-800-458-1552.

03V391000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Oct 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE SEAT BELT ATTACHMENT(S) FOR THE SECOND AND THIRD ROW SEAT(S) MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FITTED PROPERLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPAIR THE SECOND AND/OR THIRD ROW SEAT BELT ATTACHMENTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLVO AT 1-800-458-1552.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

PE10025 · Central Electronic Module Failure

Opened Jul 20, 2010 · Closed Nov 22, 2010

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

Volvo acknowledged a problem affecting some subject vehicles involving water seepage into the plenum box area in the engine compartment.When this occurs water may enter into the interior / passenger compartment and track along the wiring harness for the Central Electronic Module (CEM), the device that controls many of the vehicle's electrical functions including wiper operation, lighting, and transmission operation.If the water reaches the CEM connector electrical faults may result.In response to such faults the CEM, a microprocessor controlled device, will attempt to reset by temporarily shutting down (for 100 milliseconds, or 0.1 seconds) and restarting; this effects various CEM functions including the instrument panel (IP) display, gauges, wipers and also the transmission gear (if it is in the overdrive range).During the reset owners may experience temporarily loss of the IP displays and an abnormal 'jerking' in the transmission/drivetrain.If the problem persist for 6 consecutive restart attempts, the CEM will enter a 'Limp Home' mode that disables non-essential electrical functions yet maintain safety critical functions such as low-beam headlights, low-speed wiper operation, brake lights, and non-overdrive transmission operation.Warning and error messages will also be illuminated in the IP display.Consumers reported experiencing conditions consistent with CEM resetting and the limp mode operation in their reports to both ODI and Volvo.No reports or allegations of crash or injury associated with possible CEM failures have been reported by Volvo or otherwise identified by ODI.Volvo revised the design of the wiring grommet (sealing device) and the plenum cover starting in May 2005 and October 2005 production dates respectively, the occurrence of the condition effectively ended after these changes.A technical service bulletin (TNN 37-35) has been published to diagnose and repair earlier production vehicles using the improved wiring grommet and/or new plenum cover.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE09039 · Fuel Pump Leak

Opened Aug 31, 2009 · Closed Dec 22, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

VOLVO HAS DETERMINED THAT DUE TO EXPOSURE TO CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS (HOT CLIMATES AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING) AND VARYING FUEL QUALITY, THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE IN THE XC90 VEHICLES CAN DEVELOP CRACKS.OWNERS MAY NOTICE FUEL SMELL AND/OR FUEL SEEPAGE.DUE TO SIMILAR MATERIAL USAGE, THIS ISSUE ALSO AFFECTS OTHER MY2001-2005 S60/S80/V70/XC70 AND MY2003/2005 XC90 VEHICLES.REVIEW OF THE VOLVO DATA INDICATE THE FREQUENCY OF COMPLAINTS/REPAIRS IS HIGHER IN THE HOT CLIMATE STATES. VOLVO WILL RECALL AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP WITH A PART OF A MODIFIED DESIGN/MATERIAL IN APPROXIMATELY 136,100 MY2001-2004 S60/V70/XC70, MY2001-2005 S80 AND MY2003-2005 XC90 VEHICLES IN 19 STATES.THESE STATES INCLUDE AL, AZ, AR, CA, FL, GA, HI, KY, LA, MS, NV, NM, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA AND THE US TERRITORIES.IN ADDITION, VOLVO WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE TO 10 YEARS/150,000 MILES ON APPROXIMATELY 190,000 VEHICLES FOR THE REMAINING STATES.THIS RECALL/EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM SUPERSEDES PREVIOUS 07V-152/TNN 23-198 PROGRAM ON MY2001-2002 VEHICLES.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V-483).

Additional source detail variants (4)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Fuel System, Gasoline

PE05064 · Windshield Wiper Arm Performance

Opened Dec 2, 2005 · Closed May 10, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA BY LETTER DATED APRIL 21, 2006, THAT A SAFETY RECALL HAS BEEN INITIATED FOR CORRECTION OF THIS PROBLEM ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 - 2006 VOLVO XC90 VEHICLES. THE RECALL AFFECTS APPROXIMATELY 122,400 SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN AUGUST 2002 AND OCTOBER 2005.NHTSA HAS ASSIGNED NO. 06V-144 TO THIS RECALL ACTION.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF REPLACING THE EXISTING WINDSHIELD WIPER ARMS WITH A NEW REINFORCED DESIGN.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT PE HAS BEEN CLOSED.