Volvo to recall all 72,000 EX30 electric SUVs over a software bug

Volvo is set to recall all 71,956 EX30 models made to date as it works through a software bug. The glitch could cause an error that causes the EX30’s speedometer to go into test mode.

Volvo EX30 recall: What you should know

After launching EX30 production late last year, Volvo’s most affordable EV is already having a significant impact.

Volvo sold 14,500 EX30s in the first quarter, quickly becoming “one of the best-selling fully electric cars in Europe,” according to Björn Annwall, Volvo Cars’ CCO and deputy CEO. The momentum has continued, with over 35,000 units sold through May.

According to DataForce research, the EX30 was already the third-best-selling EV in Europe, behind only the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.

Despite the strong start, Volvo announced Monday that it’s recalling all 71,965 EX30 models made. The recall comes amid a software issue that could cause the speedometer to go into test mode when the EX30 is started.

The issue can be fixed through an over-the-air (OTA) update. Volvo said owners can either accept the update on their vehicle or take it to the dealership to have it installed free of charge.

This is the second time software has de-railed the EX30’s momentum. Volvo’s larger EX90 was also impacted by software issues that led to production delays.

Although Volvo was scheduled to begin building the EX90 in South Carolina before the end of 2023, the first model rolled off the assembly line last week.

The Volvo EX30 is a “cornerstone” of the automaker’s EV plans. Starting at $34,950 in the US and 36,000 euros in Europe, the EX30 is one of the most affordable EVs on the market. With an OTA update expected, the bug should be an easy fix with the EX30 getting back on track quickly.

In other news, Volvo is reportedly already moving EX30 and EX90 production to its Ghent, Belgium plant amid expected tariffs on EVs made in China. Volvo was expected to move EX30 production to Belgium “from 2025” due to the demand.

However, Volvo has denied the report, saying, “It’s premature to speculate on the implications of what this investigation will conclude, or any potential measures.”

A Volvo spokesperson stated in an email: “The decision to also build the EX30 in Ghent reflects our ambition to build our cars where we sell them as much as possible.”

Volvo’s fully electric cars accounted for 25% of sales in May as the automaker works toward an all-electric future by 2030.

Source: Automotive News, Volvo