Swedish automaker Volvo is recalling over 70,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) worldwide due to battery defects supplied by LG Energy Solution. The recall puts LG Energy Solution at risk of facing yet another financial burden from large-scale recalls.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the 31st, Volvo announced a recall for approximately 7,483 hybrid vehicles produced between 2020 and 2022 in the U.S. The recall affects around 73,000 vehicles globally, including 585 in Canada, about 8,000 in Sweden, and 4,825 in Germany.
The recalled models include six variants: the S60, S90, V60, V90, XC60, and XC90. These vehicles are equipped with high-voltage battery modules manufactured by LG Energy Solution at its Nanjing, China plant between June 2019 and November 2021. The battery modules are installed in Volvo’s first-generation Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform.
Volvo stated that the recall was prompted by manufacturing defects in the battery modules supplied by LG Energy Solution. The defective modules could overheat and cause an internal short circuit, potentially leading to a fire hazard. However, Volvo clarified that no accidents, injuries, or fatalities have been reported due to the battery issue.
LG Energy Solution and Volvo are currently discussing details of the recall, including execution methods and cost-sharing. Volvo notified dealers of the recall schedule on the 20th and plans to formally notify affected owners by May 15. The timeline for battery inspections or replacements has not yet been disclosed.
As part of the recall, Volvo will inspect the batteries and replace entire battery packs if defects are confirmed. The company also plans to update the battery management system (BMS) software to improve detection of potential faults. Volvo is advising owners of affected vehicles to stop charging them and to visit authorized service centers for inspection and repairs.
