Almost 3,000 Australian drivers of a popular electric SUV have been issued an urgent safety warning, instructing them not to fully charge their vehicles due to a potential fire hazard.
Federal Recall Issued for Volvo EX30 Models
The Australian federal transport department has formally recalled Volvo EX30 electric vehicles sold during 2024. The action affects 2,815 motorists across the country. A manufacturing fault identified in the high-voltage battery could cause cell modules to overheat when charged to high levels, posing what the recall notice describes as a serious fire risk.
"Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels," the official recall states. The notice was issued in early 2025, following similar warnings from Volvo to drivers in other nations in late December 2024 and early January 2025, including a recall in South Africa.
Safety Instructions for Affected Drivers
Owners of the affected Volvo EX30 models can continue to use their vehicles, but must adhere to a critical charging restriction while awaiting a permanent fix from the manufacturer.
The federal department mandates that drivers keep their vehicle's battery charge level below 70%. This limit can be set using the car's on-screen menu system. Volvo has assured owners that once a remedy is developed, they will be contacted directly to schedule a free repair appointment.
"Until a remedy is made available, owners should keep the battery charge level below 70%," the recall notice reiterated. "When a remedy is available, owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Volvo requesting them to schedule an appointment to have the repair work carried out free of charge."
Global Context and Brand Impact
Volvo Cars has emphasised that safety is a top priority. In a statement regarding the global issue, the Swedish automaker noted that the number of reported incidents is very small, representing approximately 0.02% of the cars identified as potentially affected. The company also confirmed there have been no reports of related personal injuries.
This recall presents a significant challenge for one of Australia's top-selling electric vehicle brands. According to sales figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, the Volvo EX30 was ranked as the 14th highest-selling electric car in Australia for 2025. The brand's proactive communication and the provision of interim safety instructions will be crucial in maintaining consumer confidence during the rectification process.
