Amid growing concerns about the safety of electric vehicles, Volvo has announced a global recall for nearly 73,000 plug-in hybrid cars due to a fire risk linked to their high-voltage batteries.
See the tweet below!
This decision underscores the imperative of addressing vehicle safety over the rush to embrace green technology.
As car owners grapple with what this means for their safety and convenience, it’s clear that the push towards electric vehicles may not be as smooth as expected.
Volvo issued the recall as a proactive response to a defect that could cause the high-voltage battery to short circuit when fully charged and parked.
This defect could lead to a “thermal event,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Fortunately, Volvo reports no injuries or incidents so far, but the potential for danger is too significant to ignore.
The affected models include several popular series in the U.S., specifically the 2020-2021 Volvo S90s, 2020-2022 Volvo S60s, V60s, XC60s, XC90s, and 2022 V90s.
This recall impacts 7,483 vehicles in the United States alone.
Vehicle owners impacted by this recall will receive notifications around mid-May advising them to bring their vehicles to a dealer for inspection and necessary updates, Jalopnik reports.
Until their vehicles are checked, Volvo is advising owners not to charge their plug-in hybrids.
The batteries, supplied by LG, may have been compromised by a production deviation, adding another layer to the ongoing conversion to electric vehicles.
Volvo’s solution includes inspecting the battery for cell deviations and replacing the module if necessary, along with a software update to monitor battery health.
Volvo has issued correspondence like the one from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that strongly advises that “Volvo is recalling nearly 7,500 plug-in hybrid vehicles in the U.S. due to a high-voltage battery issue that may cause a fire risk.”
The recall is not limited to the U.S. and also includes around 8,000 vehicles in Sweden and 4,825 in Germany.
The defect traces back to a possible manufacturing error in battery modules made by LG between June 2019 and November 2021.
Affected owners in Germany can expect communication from the Federal Motor Transport Authority.
With the race to reduce emissions underway, it seems the automotive industry faces hurdles in ensuring the reliability of new technologies.
As vehicle innovations push forward, manufacturers must maintain stringent quality checks to keep consumers safe and confident in making the transition to more sustainable options.
This recall brings to light how crucial it is for industries like the automotive sector to prioritize safety over rapid tech advances to ease consumer worries about electric vehicles.
Volvo’s quick move to address this issue emphasizes the delicate balance between adopting innovative technologies and ensuring the safety and reliability long associated with the brand.
Consumers are reminded to stay updated about any recalls affecting their vehicles for safety’s sake and to be proactive in addressing potential issues.
Affected owners are encouraged to use the NHTSA’s VIN lookup tool to check if their vehicles are included in the recall.
This is a stern reminder that even as we move into a future with electric vehicles, safety measures remain paramount.
⚠️ Recall Alert
2020-2021 Volvo S90, 2020-2022 S60, V60, XC60, XC90, and 2022 V90 plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Recalled because high-voltage battery may short circuit.https://t.co/zxQiecps5I— NHTSA Recalls & Ratings (@NHTSArecalls) March 26, 2025
