Recall 17V173 affects 70 2016-2017 Volvo Bus 9700 buses for improper ground cable installation. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer.
Volvo Bus is recalling 70 2016-2017 9700 transit buses with the I-Start feature because an improperly installed ground cable can leave the power feed relay without solid electrical contact. That failure can stall the engine and increase crash risk, and Volvo Bus dealers will correct the ground cable connection free of charge.
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 ground cable on the 2016-2017 Volvo Bus 9700 with I-Start is part of the electrical return path. It gives current a solid path back to the chassis so the starting and power-feed circuits have stable electrical contact. The power feed relay depends on that contact to keep power flowing where the bus needs it.
On affected buses, the ground was installed in the wrong location. That position can leave the cable with poor electrical contact instead of a firm connection. Poor contact can overload or interrupt the K918 power feed relay, causing the relay to fail. If that happens while the bus is moving, the engine can stall.
There is no warning sign before failure. The Volvo Bus filing says there are no warnings, so a driver should not count on a light, sound, or rough-running condition before the relay fails.
Who's affected?
Both model years are tied to the same wiring component.
| 2016 Volvo Bus 9700 | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2017 Volvo Bus 9700 | wiring |
| Units affected | 70 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected engine shutdown can leave the driver with reduced control and less time to respond, which increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before shutdown. Drive cautiously and schedule the inspection and ground wire correction soon. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Volvo Bus 9700 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo Bus dealer to schedule the free ground-wire inspection and correction that protects the power feed relay from failure.
- Ask the dealer about prior recall 16V836 and tell them this recall requires additional repair under recall number 17V173.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo Bus mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 17V173 when you schedule.
- Operate with caution until the repair is complete, and remove the bus from service if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo Bus technician inspects the ground wire installation for the power feed relay circuit. The technician corrects the ground wire location as needed so the relay has proper electrical contact. The inspection and repair are free under recall 17V173. If you already paid for this ground wire repair before the owner notice, Volvo Group's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit it under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 14, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 14, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| April 14, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 14, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 4, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V173?
Recall 17V173 covers 70 2016-2017 Volvo Bus 9700 buses with I-Start and an improperly installed ground cable. Poor electrical contact can make the power feed relay fail and stall the engine. Volvo Bus dealers inspect and correct the ground wire installation for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Volvo Bus 9700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 17V173. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo Bus dealer to schedule the ground wire inspection and repair. Reference recall 17V173 and Volvo Bus recall number SR17-80 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Volvo Bus dealers will inspect the vehicle and correct the ground wire installation as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected engine shutdown. If the power feed relay fails because of poor ground cable contact, the engine can stall while the bus is in operation, increasing the risk of a crash. The dealer repair corrects the ground wire installation.
When did Volvo Bus start the recall repair?
Volvo Bus began this recall on May 4, 2017. The dealer repair is available, so owners of included 2016-2017 Volvo Bus 9700 buses should schedule the inspection and ground wire correction with a franchised Volvo Bus dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V173000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo Bus customer service | 1-877-773-8678 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V173 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V173000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →