This lawsuit alleges that Volvo has a software flaw in its satellite radio receiver such that the device continues to search for a satellite signal even when the car is not running. This drains the car’s battery when the car is not running, which in turn prevents the car owner from starting their car.
All cars are equipped to receive a satellite signal. This is used obviously for satellite radio and such services as OnStar.
Volvo installs hardware in all its vehicles to receive a satellite signal. This hardware is termed “rdar”. The complaint alleges that there is a bug in the rdar’s software such that rdar continues to search for a signal even when the ignition is off – thereby draining the battery. The lawsuit further alleges that Volvo knows all about this defect, which is easily fixed with a “software upgrade” to the rdar. Volvo has not disclosed this defect to its customers, however.
Finally, the complaint also alleges that Volvo is effectively holding its customers hostage by refusing to install the “software upgrade” without a charge of hundreds of dollars to repair a defective device that is unnecessary for the car's safe operation and is, in many cases, simply unwanted.
This lawsuit alleges that Volvo’s conduct violates state consumer protection laws.
Article Type: LawsuitTopic: Consumer
