Recall 13V171 affects 285 2009-2013 Volvo Bus 9700 coaches for software that locks the throttle signal. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer.
Volvo Bus is recalling 285 2009-2013 9700 coaches under recall 13V171 because a software-controlled mode can fix the throttle signal at 1750 rpm regardless of pedal input. This can take speed control away from the driver and raise crash risk; the Volvo Bus dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The throttle control software on 2009-2013 Volvo Bus 9700 coaches is part of the electrical system that translates the driver's pedal input into an engine throttle signal. Under normal operation, pressing or releasing the throttle pedal changes engine speed in a controlled way. The driver depends on that signal matching the pedal position.
On affected coaches, certain conditions can send the system into a software controlled mode. In that mode, the throttle signal is fixed at 1750 rpm regardless of what the driver does with the throttle pedal. The pedal no longer gives the driver normal command over engine speed until the condition is corrected.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver learns something is wrong when engine speed no longer follows throttle pedal input.
Who's affected?
Spans five model years for the 9700, with each listed year tied to the same electrical system software component.
| 2013 Volvo Bus 9700 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2010 Volvo Bus 9700 | electrical system software |
| 2009 Volvo Bus 9700 | electrical system software |
| 2012 Volvo Bus 9700 | electrical system software |
| 2011 Volvo Bus 9700 | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 285 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A speed-control defect covered by NHTSA campaign 13V171 can leave the driver unable to control the bus's speed, increasing crash risk. Schedule the recall repair soon and limit use until a Volvo Bus dealer checks the software calibration. Repair will be free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2013 Volvo Bus 9700 is included in this recall.
- Watch for Volvo Bus recall instructions if you have not received them, and contact Volvo Bus customer service at 1-336-393-2000 with questions.
- Confirm with a franchised Volvo Bus dealer whether the free software calibration remedy that corrects the fixed-throttle condition is open for your coach.
- Reference recall number 13V171 when you call, and bring the recall notice if Volvo Bus sent one.
- Pull over safely if the throttle signal sticks at 1750 rpm or the coach does not respond normally to throttle input, then call Volvo Bus or the dealer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo Bus technician updates the software calibrations in the affected 9700 coach. The work addresses the calibration issue that can hold the throttle signal at 1750 rpms regardless of pedal input. Volvo Bus said owners and dealers would be notified, with the recall expected to begin by July 1, 2013. Because repair availability is not confirmed, have the service desk confirm the software instructions before the coach is moved in for work. The dealer repair will be free once available.
Timeline
| May 1, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V171?
Recall 13V171 covers 285 2009-2013 Volvo Bus 9700 coaches with software calibration conditions that can fix the throttle signal at 1,750 rpm regardless of pedal input. That loss of speed control increases crash risk. Volvo Bus dealers remedy the software calibration for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2013 Volvo Bus 9700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific coach is included in recall 13V171. If it is, contact an authorized Volvo Bus dealer to schedule the software calibration remedy. Reference recall number 13V171 and Volvo Bus campaign SR13-80 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost, and Volvo Bus dealers remedy the software calibrations in the affected coaches free of charge. The free repair applies regardless of where the coach was purchased.
What is the safety risk in recall 13V171?
The safety risk is loss of speed control. Under certain conditions, the affected coach can enter a software-controlled mode that fixes the throttle signal at 1,750 rpm regardless of driver pedal input, increasing crash risk. Confirm inclusion by VIN before scheduling service.
What if I bought my Volvo Bus 9700 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2009-2013 Volvo Bus 9700 is included, then contact an authorized Volvo Bus dealer and reference recall 13V171.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V171000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo Bus customer service | 1-336-393-2000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V171 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V171000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →