Volvo Penta recalls are identified by serial number and recall ID, and the UK's product safety regulator publishes the details. Two recent ones affect common setups: gas V6 and V8 sterndrive boats, and D4 or D6 diesels on DPH drives.
EVC 2 on V6 and V8 gasoline engines
Recall R0048 covers V6 and V8 gasoline engines in the serial range A1124382 to A1253719, fitted with SX, DPS, TCC or FWD sterndrives and the EVC 2 electronic control system with software released in or after week 26 of 2022. According to the UK notice, a software quality issue "may, under certain rare circumstances, cause an unexpected loss of control of the gearchange function". The OPSS rates it a high risk of injury. Owners check eligibility with the control system serial number on Volvo Penta's site.
Where to look. The engine and EVC serial numbers against the recall, and the dealer record of the software update. On the sea trial, repeated shifts through forward, neutral and reverse.
D4 and D6 with DPH sterndrives: hydraulic hoses
A second UK recall covers hydraulic hoses on D4 and D6 diesels fitted with DPH sterndrives in the serial range A1247408 to A1274845, as well as hoses supplied as spare parts between June 2023 and October 2025. The hoses may detach from their end fittings and leak hot oil, a burn risk. The notice warns that not every unit in the range is affected.
Where to look. The hydraulic hoses and end fittings at the drive for oil weeping, the dealer record, and any hoses replaced as spares in that period.
USCG campaigns
The USCG recall list holds 13 Volvo Penta records: gas engine campaigns on the 3.0 GLP, 4.3 GL and 4.3 GL-JF, the 3.0 GXi and the 8.1 litre; campaigns on D8, D11, D13 and D16 diesels; and several for an R0040 Schrader valve. The public pages don't give the defect; check serial numbers with a dealer.
What to check on a Volvo Penta
| Area | What to look for | Source of the concern |
|---|---|---|
| EVC 2 on gas V6 and V8 | Serial range, software update done, clean shifting | OPSS recall R0048 |
| DPH hydraulic hoses on D4 and D6 | Oil weeping at fittings, recall done | OPSS hose recall |
| Other campaigns | Open recalls for each engine | USCG recall list |
| Exhaust and cooling on gas engines | Riser and manifold condition | Gas inboard engines |
Writing it up
"Engine, Volvo Penta V8 with DPS sterndrive and EVC 2: serial number falls within recall R0048; no record of the software update. Recommend the serial numbers are checked with a Volvo Penta dealer and the update completed before the vessel is used." Record engine, drive and control system serial numbers in the particulars.