About Volvo VINs
How Volvo VINs are built
Volvo vehicles carry VIN prefixes beginning with YV1 for cars and YV4 for SUVs and crossovers. Volvo vehicles sold in the US are manufactured mainly in Sweden and Belgium, with some models built in South Carolina (7JR prefix) or China (LYV prefix). XC60 and XC90 models are the most frequently traded used Volvos in the US market.
The first three characters identify the maker and plant region. In NHTSA's vPIC, many Sweden-built cars use YV1 and many SUVs use YV4 (Torslanda and related plants). US-built S60 from Charleston, South Carolina, often use 7JR. China-built models may use LYV. Volvo Trucks use separate WMIs and are not covered on this passenger-car hub. The 11th character and the full decode confirm the plant.
Volvo vehicles manufactured for the US market carry VIN prefixes of YV1, YV4, 7JR, LYV. The VIN number encodes the country of manufacture (Sweden), production plant, vehicle line, body style, engine type, model year, and a unique production sequence number.
Sources: Brand: Volvo Cars · Plants/WMIs: NHTSA vPIC
NHTSA campaign data
Which model years each recall covers
Drag the year line to your car’s model year. Bars it crosses are the campaigns to confirm on the VIN.
This hub covers Volvo Cars passenger vehicles — not Volvo Trucks. Coverage depends on build dates and options. A listed year doesn't mean every vehicle from that year is included; the VIN lookup decides. "Do not drive" and "Park outside" follow NHTSA's recall record.
Volvo Recalls: How to Check a Specific VIN
- Enter the full 17-character VIN in the NHTSA recall lookup.
- Then use Volvo recall information / a Volvo retailer.
- On a 2001–2009 S60/S80 or V70/XC70, check driver-inflator campaigns before a test drive.
- Recall repairs are free at Volvo retailers.
Full list: every campaign in this timeline
| Campaign | Issue | Models & years |
|---|---|---|
| 18V-554 | Do Not Drive Brake pedal may not be correctly riveted (reduced braking) | 2019 XC40. Small-population 2019 XC40 campaign. Do-not-drive advisory in NHTSA's record. NHTSA's record tells owners not to drive the vehicle until it is repaired. |
| 26V-001 | Park outside High-voltage battery may short-circuit and overheat | 2025 EX30. Very small 2025 EX30 population. Park-outside advisory. NHTSA's record tells owners to park outside, away from structures, until it is repaired. Fire risk. |
| 21V-766 · 21V-800 · 20V-681 | Driver air bag inflator may explode (Takata-era / older cars) | 2001–2009 S60, 2001–2006 S80, 2001–2007 V70, 2001–2007 XC70. Driver frontal inflator rupture risk on early-2000s S60/S80 and V70/XC70. Some filings are zone-based. Filed under NHTSA's Takata inflator investigation (EA15-001). |
| 20V-378 | Front seat belt may not restrain properly | 2011–2020 S60, 2011–2018 V60, 2009–2016 XC60, 2007–2016 S80, 2008–2016 V70, 2008–2016 XC70. Large multi-model front seat-belt campaign (~308k). |
| 21V-414 · 09V-483 | Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (engine stall) | 2001–2020 S60, 2019–2020 S90, 2019–2020 V60, 2019–2020 XC60, 2003–2020 XC90, 2001–2005 S80, 2001–2004 V70. 21V-414: 2019–2020 SPA models. 09V-483: early-2000s fuel pump on S60/S80/V70/XC70/XC90. |
| 25V-282 · 25V-908 | Camera / surround-view software may blank the display | 2021–2025 XC40, 2022–2025 XC60, 2023–2025 S60, 2022–2025 S90, 2023–2025 V60, 2022–2025 C40. Large 2025 software campaigns across recent SPA/CMA cars and EVs (also EX40/EC40 in filings). |
| 19V-849 | Door latch may open while driving | 2011–2017 S60, 2011–2017 V60. 2011–2017 S60 and V60 (incl. Cross Country variants in the filing). |
| 20V-144 | City Safety pedestrian AEB software may not brake as designed | 2019–2020 S60, 2019–2020 S90, 2019–2020 V60, 2019–2020 XC40, 2019–2020 XC60, 2019–2020 XC90. 2019–2020 SPA models — software update for pedestrian/cyclist automatic braking. |
| 20V-503 | Front wiper nuts may loosen | 2018–2020 XC60. 2018–2020 XC60. |
| 06V-155 | XC90 outer tie rod ball joint may loosen | 2003–2006 XC90. 2003–2006 XC90 — loss of steering control if the joint fails. |
| 16V-798 | Front seat belt buckle may unlatch | 2016–2017 S60, 2016–2017 S90, 2016–2017 V60, 2016–2017 XC60, 2016–2017 XC90. 2016–2017 SPA launch years. |
| 19V-046 | XC60 tailgate lifting arm may fail in cold weather | 2018–2019 XC60. 2018–2019 XC60 in cold-temperature conditions. |
Highest-volume Volvo Cars campaigns
Front seat belts and older driver-inflator campaigns
Confirm seat-belt 20V-378 on 2009–2020 SPA/P3 cars and driver-inflator campaigns on early-2000s sedans/wagons.
Front seat belts
20V-378: ~308k vehicles including XC60, S60, V60 and related.
What to do
Ask for belt and inflator repair records. Re-run the VIN after any claimed repair.
Sources: NHTSA recall records · Volvo recalls
About Volvo
A Legacy of Safety and Innovation
Founded in 1927 by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson in Gothenburg, Sweden, Volvo has always been synonymous with safety and innovation. The company was born from a vision of creating vehicles that could withstand the harsh Scandinavian climate while prioritizing the safety of its passengers. This founding principle has guided Volvo for nearly a century, distinguishing it as a leader in automotive safety and engineering excellence.
Pioneering Safety Innovations
Volvo made its mark on the automotive world as a safety pioneer. In 1959, it introduced the first three-point seatbelt, revolutionizing passenger safety and setting a new standard for the industry. This invention has been credited with saving millions of lives globally. Volvo's commitment to safety did not stop there; over the years, it has introduced numerous other safety features, such as side-impact protection systems and whiplash protection technology.
Key Milestones in Volvo's Journey
Throughout its history, Volvo has achieved several milestones that have solidified its reputation. In the 1970s, the company launched the Volvo 240 series, a model that became a symbol of durability and safety. The 1990s saw the introduction of the Volvo S80, which featured groundbreaking safety and luxury features for its time.
The turn of the century marked a significant change when Geely Holding Group, a Chinese automotive giant, acquired Volvo from Ford in 2010. This acquisition infused Volvo with the financial resources and global reach needed to compete in the modern automotive landscape. Under Geely's ownership, Volvo has pushed forward with electrification, aiming to offer only hybrid and electric vehicles by 2030.
Volvo in the United States
Volvo's presence in the United States began to take shape in the mid-20th century. Its reputation for building safe, reliable vehicles helped it gain a loyal following among American consumers. Over the years, models like the Volvo 240 and the 850 sedan became popular choices for families seeking safety and peace of mind.
In recent years, the XC90 and XC60 SUVs have become the brand's bestsellers in the U.S. market. These models are celebrated not only for their safety features but also for their refined luxury and advanced technology. With a growing focus on sustainability, Volvo's new electric models, such as the XC40 Recharge, are also gaining traction among environmentally conscious buyers.
Best-Selling and Notable Models
The XC90, launched in 2002, quickly became a flagship model for Volvo. It combined Volvo's legendary safety with luxury and versatility, making it a hit among families and executives alike. The second-generation XC90, introduced in 2015, took this legacy further with its sleek design and cutting-edge technology, winning numerous industry awards.
Another standout model is the XC60, a mid-size SUV that offers a perfect blend of style, safety, and performance. Since its debut in 2008, the XC60 has consistently been one of Volvo's best-selling models worldwide. It is particularly praised for its advanced driver-assistance systems, which continue to push the boundaries of automotive safety.
Volvo has also made strides in the luxury sedan category with the S90, a model that showcases the brand's commitment to Scandinavian design and engineering. The S90's elegant interior and innovative Bowers & Wilkins sound system make it a favorite among those seeking a premium driving experience.
Interesting and Surprising Facts
One of the most surprising facts about Volvo is its long-standing commitment to sharing safety innovations with the entire automotive industry. After inventing the three-point seatbelt, Volvo made the patent open and available to all, a decision that exemplifies its dedication to passenger safety over profit.
Volvo's commitment to sustainability is another area where it stands out. The company's environmental focus dates back to the early 1970s when it introduced the first catalytic converter with a Lambda sensor, reducing harmful exhaust emissions. Today, Volvo is at the forefront of the automotive industry's push towards electrification, with plans to become a fully electric car brand by the end of this decade.
Before You Buy a Used Volvo
Run the VIN through our free VIN decoder to confirm what the car was when it left the factory (model, model year, engine and assembly plant, from NHTSA's vPIC database) and to see NHTSA safety recalls for that model year. The Volvo model pages on this site add owner complaints, service bulletins, defect investigations, EPA fuel economy and crash ratings where NHTSA publishes them. We don't provide vehicle history reports, so accidents, title brands and odometer readings aren't part of the lookup. For title brands, the federal NMVTIS program is the official source, and an independent mechanic's pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Used-car checklist
What to Verify on a Used Volvo
Six checks specific to used Volvos.
Seat belts / inflators
See the seat-belt / inflator section.
Plant vs title
Match YV1/YV4 (Europe), 7JR (Charleston) or LYV (China) to the title.
World Manufacturer Identifier
Volvo VIN prefixes (WMI)
Prefix registrations and example decodes come from NHTSA's vPIC database.
A 2019 XC60 and a 2020 XC90 decode under YV4 (Sweden).
An S90 / S60 pattern often decodes under YV1 (e.g. Torslanda).
A 2020 S60 decodes to the United States under 7JR.
Worked example
Worked example: reading a Volvo VIN
Example VIN (demo only): YV4BR0DM0K1000000
K = 2019FAQ
Common questions about Volvo VINs
What VIN prefix do Volvo vehicles use?
Many Sweden-built Volvo cars use YV1 and many SUVs use YV4. US-built S60 from Charleston, South Carolina, often use 7JR. China-built models may use LYV. Volvo Trucks use different WMIs and are not covered on this passenger-car hub. The 11th character and the full NHTSA vPIC decode confirm the plant.
Where is the VIN on a Volvo?
Volvo places the VIN on a plate at the lower driver side of the windshield, readable from outside, and on a sticker inside the driver door jamb. Many models also stamp the VIN on the firewall. Match every location to the title before you buy.
Which Volvo models have the most documented recalls?
XC60 and S60/V60 lead recent volume: seat-belt 20V-378, fuel-pump 21V-414, door-latch 19V-849, City Safety 20V-144 and camera software 25V-282/25V-908. Early-2000s S60/S80 and V70/XC70 add driver-inflator campaigns. XC90 has early tie-rod 06V-155.
What does a free Volvo VIN check on VinNumber.net show?
The free decoder reads the VIN in NHTSA's vPIC database and returns the model, model year, body, engine, drive type and assembly plant. Volvo VINs in vPIC start with prefixes such as YV1, YV4, 7JR and LYV. The same lookup lists NHTSA safety recalls for that make, model and model year. Each of our 8 Volvo model pages adds what NHTSA and the EPA have published: owner complaints, technical service bulletins, defect investigations, fuel economy and, where NHTSA has tested the car, NCAP crash ratings. It is not a vehicle history report: it doesn't show accidents, title brands, odometer readings or theft records.
Does this page cover Volvo Trucks?
No. This hub is for Volvo Cars passenger vehicles only. Volvo Trucks (VN/VNL/VHD and similar) have separate NHTSA filings — look up a truck VIN on NHTSA directly.
Which Volvos have a do-not-drive or park-outside warning?
Do-not-drive: brake-pedal recall 18V-554 on certain 2019 XC40 vehicles (small population). Park-outside: high-voltage battery recall 26V-001 on certain 2025 EX30 vehicles (very small population). If the VIN shows one open, follow the advisory until a Volvo retailer closes it.
What is the Volvo front seat-belt recall 20V-378?
Recall 20V-378 covers about 308,000 Volvo Cars including certain S60, V60, XC60, S80, V70 and XC70 model years. The front seat belt may not restrain an occupant properly. Confirm the campaign is closed on the VIN.
Do older Volvos have air bag inflator recalls?
Yes. Driver-inflator campaigns 21V-766, 21V-800 and 20V-681 cover listed early-2000s S60, S80, V70 and XC70 vehicles. Some are zone-based. Check every campaign on the VIN before a test drive.
Does this page cover Volvo Trucks recalls?
No. This hub is for Volvo Cars passenger vehicles (S/V/XC/C/EX lines). Volvo Trucks (VN/VNL/VHD and similar) use different WMIs and NHTSA filings. Look up a truck VIN on NHTSA directly.