This particular battery defect recall however does not seem to affect local Volvo PHEVs.
Volvo has recently announced a global recall for thousands of its plug-in hybrid vehicles, due to a potential battery fire hazard. This propensity of self-combustion stems from a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery that could cause a short circuit, potentially leading to thermal runaway when vehicles are parked with fully charged batteries.
Now in the United States alone, approximately 7,483 plug-in hybrid vehicles are affected by this recall. Canadian markets see meanwhile 585 cars included, whereas Australia has identified 195 affected vehicles. At present however, Volvo Malaysia has not issued any official notice regarding potential local impacts of this recall.
According to documentation filed by Volvo with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem originated from a supplier process deviation that may result in cell overheating. The faulty cells were manufactured by LG Energy Solution Battery of Nanjing, China.
Volvo has specified that vehicles affected by this recall contain cells produced between June 3, 2019, and November 30, 2021, while cells manufactured after this period are not impacted by the process deviation.
The recall encompasses several Volvo models across multiple production years. The 2021 S90 is included, along with 2020 through 2022 model year S60, V60, XC60, and XC90. The V90 is also affected, though in significantly fewer numbers and only for the 2022 model year.
As part of standard recall procedure, Volvo will replace battery modules at no cost to customers. Additionally, even if technicians don’t identify suspect cells during inspection, they will install monitoring software designed to detect any signs of potential shorts or thermal events.
In the interim, Volvo has advised owners not to charge their vehicles until the necessary repairs have been completed. Owner notification letters regarding this recall are scheduled to be distributed by the automaker no later than May 15, 2025.
The automaker has reported knowledge of two incidents resulting from this issue, though fortunately neither caused injuries, crashes, or fatalities. The first “thermal event” was documented on February 6, 2024, prompting Volvo to launch an investigation into the potentially dangerous phenomenon. This investigation concluded earlier this month, leading to the current recall announcement.
