by Lawsuit Against Volvo Over Sound System Issues
Judge Aleta Trauger dismissed all charges against the American subsidiary of Volvo; however, the lawsuit continues against the parent company in Sweden. Film producer Timothy Zajaros claims that while driving his 2022 Volvo XC90, the sound system suddenly emitted an extremely loud, sharp sound, leading to permanent hearing damage and tinnitus.
Initially, several Volvo subsidiaries in North America were involved in the lawsuit, but they were later removed from the list of defendants. Zajaros was granted permission to file an amended complaint, adding the Swedish Volvo Car Corporation to it. He claims the problem was caused by a software defect that the company was aware of but did not address.
Why Volvo Car USA Was Dismissed from the Lawsuit
The judge noted that the plaintiff did not provide any evidence linking the American subsidiary to the manufacturing of the vehicle.
“Essentially, the only fact confirming Volvo USA’s connection to this car is that its name contains the word ‘Volvo’,” stated the judge.
The case now focuses on the Swedish manufacturer, and the question of its liability remains open. This case could become an important precedent for similar cases related to technical malfunctions in vehicles. It is particularly interesting that the problem arose from software, which highlights the growing role of digital systems in modern cars and the potential risks associated with them.
