Volvo Cars is recalling nearly 73,000 plug-in hybrids worldwide due to a potential high-voltage battery issue that could lead to a short circuit, increasing the risk of fire.
If you own a: 2020-2021 Volvo S90, 2020-2022 Volvo S60, V60, XC60, XC90 or 2022 Volvo V90, your vehicle might be affected.
Essentially, this recall covers almost all plug-in hybrid models built on Volvo’s first-generation SPA platform.
Globally, around 73,000 Volvo PHEVs are affected, including 7,483 in the U.S., about 8,000 in Sweden and 4,825 in Germany.
The issue stems from the high-voltage LG batteries. In SPA platform, the batteries are located in the transmission tunnel, running through the center of the vehicle. Under certain conditions, these battery cells may experience an internal short circuit, potentially leading to “thermal runaway”—a fancy way of saying a fire risk.
Volvo has confirmed two “thermal events” related to this issue, thankfully without any reported injuries, crashes, or fatalities. The initial incident occurred on February 6, 2024, prompting an investigation that concluded with this recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the U.S. is advising owners to “stop charging their vehicles until the remedy is complete.”
Volvo dealers will perform a thorough inspection to identify any cell deviations within the battery module. If any issues are found, Volvo will replace the module at no cost to the owner. Additionally, a software update will be applied to all recalled vehicles to enhance battery module monitoring.
Drivers can check if their vehicle is under recall by using the NHTSA’s VIN look-up tool:
– Go to NHTSA.gov/Recalls
– Enter the vehicle’s 17-character VIN
