Volvo EX30 Recall Expands to China as Battery Safety Concerns Persist

Volvo Cars has expanded its ongoing battery safety campaign for the EX30 electric SUV, recalling 2,501 China-built vehicles due to a potential thermal runaway risk linked to battery cell defects.

The recall, which affects vehicles produced between April and December 2024, follows a larger global recall announced earlier this year and highlights the continued challenges facing Volvo’s entry-level EV.

China recall targets potential battery defect

According to a notice released by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the recall was filed by Zhejiang Haoqing Automobile Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and takes effect immediately. The affected EX30 units were manufactured between April 12 and December 27, 2024.

Volvo said a production deviation may lead to lithium growth inside battery cells. Over time, this could cause an internal short circuit, potentially triggering overheating within the high-voltage battery pack, according to CNEV Post.

Drivers may receive dashboard warnings indicating battery overheating, while affected vehicles could also emit smoke. In extreme cases, the issue could lead to thermal runaway, a condition in which a battery experiences an uncontrolled increase in temperature.

To address the issue, Volvo dealers in China will inspect affected vehicles and replace potentially defective battery modules where necessary. Until repairs are completed, Volvo is advising owners to limit charging to 70% to reduce risk.

Recall adds to broader EX30 battery challenges

The latest action extends a battery-related issue that has already affected tens of thousands of EX30s worldwide. In February, Volvo announced a global recall covering more than 40,000 vehicles before later revising the total to 37,802 units.

That campaign also centered on replacing battery modules. At the time, Reuters estimated the recall could result in losses approaching $195 million.

The batteries involved are believed to have been supplied by Sunwoda. Volvo previously stated that the underlying issue had been resolved and that replacement cells would be supplied by the battery manufacturer.

The battery concerns have also led to legal disputes. In late 2025, Sunwoda disclosed that its battery subsidiary had been sued by Vremt, a Geely-affiliated company, seeking damages related to battery quality issues. The parties later reached a settlement earlier this year.

Additional scrutiny emerged in Thailand in May when the country’s consumer watchdog filed a civil lawsuit against Volvo’s local operation following two EX30 fire incidents. Volvo has maintained that such events remain rare, affecting well under 0.1% of vehicles, while also recommending Thai owners temporarily limit charging to 70%.

Despite the recalls, the EX30 remains a key part of Volvo’s electrification strategy. The company launched a refreshed version of the model in China in March with a limited-time starting price of 159,800 yuan.

EV.com tracks the evolving EV collector space and performance electric vehicles hitting the market. Explore our listings to find the best EVs in your area available today.