Switching from a BMW M140i to the all-electric Volvo EX30 was a bold move. The M140i was thirsty, loud, and unapologetically fun — but it was time for something more efficient. I picked up the EX30 from Marshall Volvo Grantham on a PCP agreement, and to be clear: I wouldn’t buy an electric car outright with my own money. Not yet.

Three months in, I’ve had time to live with the car, and while there’s plenty to like (which I’ll cover in a future article), this one’s about the Volvo EX30 issues that have stood out — from interior quirks to software bugs.

🚗 Interior Disappointments

  • B-Pillar Rattle: Persistent vibration from the B-pillar trim next to the sound bar. Subtle but irritating.
  • Easily Marked Plastics: Interior surfaces smudge and scratch far too easily, even with gentle cleaning.
  • No Head-Up Display: You’re forced to glance at the central screen, then get warned for not keeping your eyes forward.
  • Aggressive Emergency Braking: The system sometimes activates unnecessarily when passing parked cars.
  • Key Fob Detection Issues: When wet, the car often fails to detect the key fob, requiring app-based unlocking.
  • Glovebox Glitches: Opening the glovebox can take multiple attempts — inconsistent and frustrating.
  • Boot Lid Water Runoff: Closing the boot when wet causes water to run into the cabin.

🌧️ Exterior Frustrations

  • Insect Magnet: The flat front bumper collects bugs like a magnet — tough to keep clean after motorway drives.
  • Diamond-Cut Alloy Concerns: Water ingress may lead to corrosion and future refurb needs. Time will tell.

🧠 Software Bugs & App Issues

  • Infotainment Lag: The Google-based touchscreen can be slow or glitchy, especially with Bluetooth and app switching.
  • Charging Inconsistencies: Public chargers sometimes fail to connect or scheduled charging doesn’t start.
  • Random System Failures: Screens going black, steering-wheel buttons freezing, and driver aids dropping out.
  • App Reliability: On my Samsung S25, the Volvo EX30 app often takes multiple attempts to open. Remote functions frequently fail.
  • Digital Key Setup Failure: I’ve been unable to configure the digital key on my S25, despite official support. Possibly a bug or compatibility issue.

🔍 Other Common Complaints from EX30 Owners

  • Profile Reset Bugs: Driver profiles sometimes revert to factory settings after updates or app crashes.
  • Audio System Glitches: Equalizer and Logic 5 settings occasionally disappear, leaving only basic audio controls.
  • Connectivity Dropouts: The app loses connection with the car, requiring re-pairing or reinstalling.

👀 Final Thoughts (For Now)

Despite these issues, I’m not giving up on the EX30. It’s a bold step into the EV world, and I expected some teething problems. In my next article, I’ll focus on what I do like — because there’s plenty to appreciate.

If you own a Volvo EX30, I’d love to hear your experiences. What’s working for you? What’s driving you mad? Drop a comment or reach out — let’s compare notes and help each other navigate this new EV frontier.