21 March 2025

by Adam James

The office for product safety and standards has issued a safety recall for Volvo EVC 2 electronic vessel control systems.

Volvo Penta has announced a recall of its Electronic Vessel Control (EVC 2) system due to a software issue that may pose a risk of injuries and drowning. The problem, identified in certain V6 and V8 gasoline engines as well as D4 and D6 diesel engines, may cause an unexpected loss of control over the gear-changing function, particularly at low speeds.

According to the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the fault can prevent drivers from shifting gears, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the water. As a result, Volvo Penta has issued a product recall to prevent accidents and ensure user safety.

Affected Models

The recall applies to boats equipped with:

• V6 and V8 gasoline engines (SX, DPS, TCC, FWD sterndrives) under recall ID R0048. Affected serial numbers range from A1124382 to A1253719.
• D4 and D6 diesel engines (DPH sterndrives) under recall ID R0049. Affected serial numbers range from A1083946 to A1248292.

Only units with EVC 2 control systems using software released in or after 2022 are affected. Not all serial numbers within the listed range are impacted.

What Should Owners Do?

Boat owners are urged to check if their engine is part of the recall by entering their serial number on the Volvo Penta recall website. If affected, users should stop using the system immediately and follow recall instructions provided by Volvo Penta.

This recall underscores the importance of strict safety regulations in marine equipment, as even minor software faults can lead to serious risks on the water. Volvo Penta advises all affected customers to contact their dealer or service provider for further assistance.

Volvo owners can check whether their system is affected at: Recall information | Volvo Penta

A link to the full recall notice can be found at: Product Recall: Volvo Penta EVC 2 (2503-0017) - GOV.UK