Recall 20V597 affects 10 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 buses because the engine can start during service. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer.
Volvo Bus is recalling 10 2020 9700 buses because the starter disabling switch in the engine compartment can fail to stop the bus from starting during service work. An engine that starts while a technician is working on it raises the risk of injury; Volvo Bus dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 uses engine compartment start and start/stop switches so service work can be controlled near the engine. The starter disabling switch is part of that safety setup: when it is activated, it is supposed to prevent the driver position from starting the bus while someone is working in the engine compartment.
On affected buses, an engine software version does not recognize the signals from those engine compartment switches. That means the driver can start the bus even after the starter disabling switch has been activated for service. The same software issue also keeps the engine compartment service start switch from working, so the controls at the engine area do not match the expected start and disable behavior.
The warning sign is direct: the engine compartment service start switch does not function. If that switch does not work, treat the bus as affected until Volvo Bus service confirms the software has been corrected.
Who's affected?
The scope is split between engine and ignition-switch components for the same 2020 9700 bus.
| 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 10 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 bus is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
The defect allows the engine to start while a technician is working on it, increasing injury risk during service. The engine compartment service start switch also fails when this defect is present, so treat that as a service warning and schedule the software update. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo Bus dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo Bus dealer to schedule the free engine software update that keeps the starter disabling switch from being bypassed during service.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo Bus mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V597 when you call.
- Warn any service technician that the bus is under recall before engine-compartment work.
- Call Volvo Bus customer service at 1-800-463-7738 with questions and reference recall number 20V597.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo Bus technician follows the service document to connect to the bus and upload the new engine software. The software update is free of charge under the recall. Volvo Bus has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall work was done. Keep any paid invoices and ask Volvo Bus customer service how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 29, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 30, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 30, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 30, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 6, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V597?
Recall 20V597 covers 10 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 buses where the engine can start even when the starter disabling switch in the engine compartment has been activated during service. Volvo Bus provides the engine software update instructions free of charge.
What should I do if my 2020 Volvo Bus 9700 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 20V597. If it is, contact Volvo Bus customer service at 1-800-463-7738 or a franchised Volvo Bus service location and ask for recall SR20-87. The software update is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost. Volvo Bus provides the service document for connecting and uploading the new engine software free of charge for buses included in recall 20V597.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is to the service technician working in the engine compartment. If the bus starts while the starter disabling switch is activated for service, the unexpected engine start increases the risk of injury. Confirm the VIN and complete the free software update.
When did Volvo Bus begin this recall?
Volvo Bus began the recall on November 6, 2020. If you own or service a 2020 Volvo Bus 9700, check the VIN and reference recall SR20-87 when contacting Volvo Bus customer service or a franchised Volvo Bus service location.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V597000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo Bus customer service | 1-800-463-7738 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V597 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V597000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →