Volvo cars faces Thai legal threat after fresh EX30 fires

Wednesday 20 May 2026 - 12:15

Thailand’s consumer protection authorities are considering civil legal action against Swedish automaker Volvo Cars following new reports of battery-related fires involving its EX30 electric SUV model.

The decision comes after two additional incidents raised fresh concerns about the safety of the vehicle’s battery system. Thai regulators are reviewing complaints from affected customers and may pursue compensation measures, including refunds with interest for dozens of owners.

The EX30, a compact electric SUV positioned as part of Volvo’s transition toward full electrification, has already been subject to a global recall involving tens of thousands of units. The recall was launched after a defect was identified in battery modules that could potentially lead to overheating and fire risks.

In Thailand, the consumer watchdog has escalated the issue to an internal committee, a step that could result in formal civil proceedings against Volvo’s local operations and dealership network. Authorities have indicated growing dissatisfaction with temporary safety measures previously recommended to owners, including limiting battery charging levels.

While the automaker has faced similar scrutiny in multiple markets, repair and replacement timelines vary significantly across countries, with some regions expected to wait until late 2026 for full technical fixes.

A meeting between Volvo representatives and Thai authorities is expected to take place soon, as pressure increases over the handling of customer complaints and the pace of corrective action. The company has not publicly commented on the possibility of legal proceedings in Thailand.