Volvo EX30 facing civil lawsuit over battery fires. What is the situation in Romania?
Swedish carmaker Volvo is facing a new wave of pressure over its best-selling compact electric SUV, the Volvo EX30. Thailand's Consumer Protection Authority has announced it will launch a civil lawsuit against the brand's local subsidiary after direct negotiations between dissatisfied customers and the manufacturer completely stalled.
The drastic decision by Thai authorities comes after two recent fires involving EX30 models. The incidents deepen problems for Volvo, which is already in the midst of managing a major global recall.
The boiling point in Thailand: From negotiations to court
There are currently over 1,600 Volvo EX30s on the road in Thailand. In an attempt to quell the scandal (literally and figuratively), Volvo has proposed a series of compensatory measures:
- Complete battery replacement and provision of replacement vehicles during the repair period for approximately 90% of affected customers.
- Partial module replacements for the remaining 10% of customers.
The offer was deemed insufficient and rejected by consumer groups, paving the way for legal action. Volvo Cars Thailand has not yet issued an official response to the civil suit.
Volvo officials have tried to calm the panic, previously saying that such fires are extremely rare and affect “well under 0.1%” of all vehicles. However, as an extreme precaution, the company has temporarily advised owners not to charge their car’s battery above 70% until the issue is fully fixed.
What's causing the problem? The global recall – initially estimated at 40,000 units and later recalibrated to 37,802 vehicles – aims to replace some high-voltage battery modules. A manufacturing defect in these modules can lead to overheating and, in extreme cases, a fire.
Are there problems with the Volvo EX30 in Romania too?
The short answer is yes, but the context is different. Although there have been no official reports of spectacular fires in Romania like in Thailand, the EX30 model sold on the local market is part of the same global service recall campaign.
The Volvo EX30 has quickly become an extremely popular model in Romania, thanks to its competitive starting price for the premium segment and its attractive design. For this reason, the number of units delivered nationally is significant.
How are Romanian customers affected and what measures are being taken?
Unlike Thailand, where disputes escalated legally, in the European Union and Romania risk management follows strict and standardized procedures:
- Synchronization through the Safety Gate System (RAPEX): Any global car recall dictated by a safety issue (such as the risk of battery fire) is automatically reported at the European level.
- Customer notification: The official importer Volvo Cars Romania and the authorized dealer network are legally obliged to directly contact all owners of EX30 vehicles that are on the list of affected chassis series (VIN).
- Free repairs: Romanian owners are invited to the service for software updates or, where applicable, for free replacement of defective battery modules. The operation is carried out entirely at the manufacturer's expense.
What should EX30 owners in Romania do?
If you own a Volvo EX30 or plan to buy one on the used market, it is recommended:
- Check on the official Volvo website or directly at an authorized dealer if your car is affected by the recall campaign (using the chassis series).
- Follow the temporary recommendation to limit battery charging to 70% if you have received a notification to this effect from the manufacturer, until a service appointment is made.
- Collaborate with the support network to carry out the necessary repairs, thus preventing any risk of overheating.