CARB reaches $197 million settlement with Volvo Group over emission violations

21 May 2026

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced a settlement with Volvo Group North America, LLC for nearly $197 million dollars for undisclosed auxiliary emission control devices (AECD) that violated the state’s emissions and certification requirements. The state will receive $17.5 million in penalties and costs and $71 million to mitigate the air quality harms caused by the violations. Volvo also is committing $108 million toward emission reduction projects in California.

The case involves approximately 10,000 Volvo model year 2010 through 2016 diesel engines used in heavy-duty trucks throughout California. During review of Volvo’s certification applications, CARB found inconsistencies in the data and uncovered alleged violations of California’s emissions regulations. CARB alleged these engines used AECDs that were not adequately disclosed during the required emissions certification process. These Volvo engines emitted more NOx than allowed by the emission standard. Failure to report AECDs completely and accurately to CARB is a major violation of California’s heavy-duty engine regulations.

Volvo was cooperative throughout CARB’s investigation and agreed to offer a recall repair and extended warranty to address the AECDs. Volvo will also carry out OBD testing. The recall will apply to several of Volvo’s 2014 through 2016 model year 11, 13 and 16 L diesel engines. The recall is expected to take place in 2027 and is not mandatory. However, if Volvo fails to meet the recall target of 85% within 3 years, additional penalties will be applied.

Details of the AECD violation were not disclosed. The extended warranty applies to NOx sensors (including engine out and system out), exhaust temperature sensors and components of the DEF dosing system. The OBD testing requires evaluation of numerous monitors related to catalyst efficiency, DEF delivery, EGR system performance, boost pressure response, NOx sensor performance, fuel system injection quantity and pressure control and cold start exhaust temperature and EGR flow.

Source: California Air Resources Board