- Incident Details & Medical Impact
- How Volvo Hands-Free Tailgate Works
- Lawsuit and Legal Arguments
- How Tailgate Malfunctions Can Occur
- "Tech Turned Against Her"
- Feature Comparison Table: Volvo Tailgate Safety vs. Risks
- Broader Impact & Industry Debate
In a case sparking debate on automotive safety tech, a New Jersey woman has filed a lawsuit against Volvo and a company employee after suffering a traumatic brain injury when a Volvo SUV’s automatic tailgate unexpectedly closed on her head. The incident, triggered by a dog walking under the rear bumper and activating the hands-free tailgate sensor, left Megan Kohr with lasting vision, balance, and light sensitivity issues unforgiving to daily life.
Incident Details & Medical Impact
Where/When: October 2023, hiking with a Volvo employee and friend (Jennifer Henry) in Bergen County, NJ.
What Happened: Kohr stood behind the open tailgate; Henry’s dog passed beneath the bumper, activating the sensor, closing the tailgate onto Kohr’s head.
Injury: Medical reports confirm traumatic brain injury. Symptoms include chronic vision problems, dizziness, eye coordination issues, and permanent light sensitivity.
Doctor’s Statement: At least one injury is permanent and unlikely to fully heal.
How Volvo Hands-Free Tailgate Works
Sensor Location: Usually under rear bumper, detects foot movement for hands-free open/close.
Safety Features: Volvo power tailgates include "pinch protection"—meant to reverse/stop movement if an obstacle or resistance is detected.
Malfunction Claim: Lawsuit alleges that "a rear sensor malfunction" and design flaws allowed closure without stopping, causing injury.
Lawsuit and Legal Arguments
Who’s Sued: Volvo Car USA, employee Jennifer Henry (driver/owner/dog), Volvo USA as vehicle owner.
Claims: Negligence in tailgate sensor safety/system design and liability for dog activation of the sensor.
Damages Pursued: Medical expenses, lost wages, future care, emotional distress, and disability.
Volvo Response: No comment on ongoing litigation.
How Tailgate Malfunctions Can Occur
Real-World Risk: While designed for convenience, hands-free tailgates can activate if pets, children, or objects move under the bumper, bypassing driver intent.
Anti-Pinch Limits: Pinch protection may not always stop or reverse tailgate motion if sensor or obstacle detection fails, risking injury.
Recall Context: Recent EX90 recall for tailgate motor defects shows broader issues in system reliability, though not related to this case.
"Tech Turned Against Her"
Imagine a woman, hiking on a sunny morning, standing behind an SUV with groceries next to her. Suddenly, a pet's playful curiosity triggers high-tech convenience—and an ordinary tailgate becomes the source of lasting trauma. Her story is a reminder: Smart features demand smart safeguards, especially when lives and well-being are at stake.
Feature Comparison Table: Volvo Tailgate Safety vs. Risks
Broader Impact & Industry Debate
Tech vs. Safety: Rise of automation means greater convenience—but also greater liability when designs fail.
Consumer Lessons: Always be aware around motorized tailgates; avoid standing in their path; check safety recalls regularly for your model.
Industry Response: Case highlights need for robust sensor validation, emergency overrides, and stronger physical safety checks before mass adoption.
The Volvo hands-free tailgate lawsuit is a sobering reminder of the risks as vehicles grow more automated. While manufacturers tout safety, small flaws in smart features can have life-changing consequences.
