Damaged vehicle

If your vehicle is damaged, it is important to identify the extent and severity of the damage to determine how to handle the vehicle safely.

Damage can immobilize your vehicle or make it unsafe to drive.

Contact an authorized Volvo workshop if your vehicle has been damaged or if it shows signs of damage sustained while parked. If the damage immobilizes or severely impairs the vehicle's performance, you will need to recover it using a roadside assistance and recovery service.

 Important

Minor damage

Your vehicle can self-diagnose many defects, but it can’t detect all types of damage or predict their consequences. A small impact resulting in superficial damage can harm components behind the affected area, such as misaligning a parking sensor behind a bumper. That's why it's important to have seemingly minor or superficial damage examined by a trained technician to determine the full extent of the damage.

Immobilizing damage

There are several types of damage that can immobilize the vehicle. They include but are not limited to:
  • Collision damage
  • Flat tire
  • Windshield damage
  • Water damage
  • Mechanical failure

Collision damage

After a severe-enough collision, your vehicle enters safety mode and needs to be recovered.

 Important

If possible, do not try to drive or move the vehicle after a severe collision. The only exception is if the vehicle is a serious hazard to other vehicles on the road, in which case you should move it a short distance so it is out of immediate danger if the vehicle's condition allows you to do so.

Water damage

Water damage can cause permanent damage to your vehicle and severely affect how well it works.

 Important

Simply drying the vehicle out or allowing it to dry will often be insufficient to resolve significant water damage. A trained technician should examine any water damage to determine its full extent and severity.

Mechanical damage

The best way to avoid mechanical failures is to follow the intended use and to regularly maintain your vehicle. It is important to continuously perform check-ups of your vehicle.