As more countries publish formal recalls for the EX30’s high‑voltage battery issue, the UK remains stuck in an uncomfortable middle ground. Volvo has privately told owners to cap charging at 70% and park outside, yet the GOV.UK recall database is still empty. It’s a strange position: the problem is acknowledged, but not officially recognised.
Why the delay?
The DVSA tends to move slower than regulators in the US or Australia, especially when a manufacturer hasn’t finalised the repair. It’s likely Volvo hasn’t yet provided a complete remedy package — including how batteries will be inspected, what parts will be replaced, and how long repairs will take. Without that, the DVSA may simply be unable to publish anything. There’s also a political backdrop: UK EV confidence is already fragile, and a high‑profile battery recall won’t help.
What this means for owners
Right now, UK drivers are effectively living under recall conditions, but without the clarity that comes with an official notice. Owners have been told to limit charging, but there’s no plan of action from Volvo. No explanation of what will happen next. No guidance on how the batteries will be checked. No timeline for repairs. And no information about what level of risk owners are actually living with. That lack of detail is what’s causing the most frustration.
Impact on resale value
The uncertainty is already showing. Dealers are discounting affected EX30s, and buyers are understandably cautious. EVs were already depreciating faster than petrol and diesel cars; a recall with no official UK acknowledgement only adds to the hesitation. A formal recall would actually help stabilise values — but until the DVSA publishes one, the market will stay nervous.
Impact on consumer rights
Without an official recall, your rights are harder to enforce. A confirmed safety defect strengthens your position under the Consumer Rights Act. A private advisory from Volvo does not. Until the DVSA steps in, everything sits in a grey area where the manufacturer holds most of the cards.
What this means for financed and leased cars
For anyone who’s financed or leased their EX30, the situation is even more complicated. Without an official recall, it’s harder to argue that the car is “not of satisfactory quality” or “not fit for purpose,” even though the 70% charge cap clearly affects day‑to‑day use. Some owners on PCP or HP deals are already asking whether they can return the car early, but lenders typically rely on formal recall status when assessing these cases. Lease companies are in the same position: until the DVSA publishes an official notice, most won’t accept the argument that the car is fundamentally impaired. In other words, people who want to hand the car back are stuck waiting — just like everyone else — with no clear route to rejection and no clarity on when the car will be restored to full functionality.
How long will the wait be?
Realistically, UK owners may be waiting weeks — possibly longer — for a formal recall. Until Volvo finalises the fix and the DVSA signs it off, the 70% charge cap remains in place, and owners are left driving a car that doesn’t operate as advertised.
Have your say
If you’re living with the 70% charge cap, we’d really like to hear how it’s affecting you. A lot of owners are already saying the reduced range makes the EX30 completely unsuitable for their commute, and some have admitted they’re charging to 100% despite the warnings because they simply don’t have a choice. That kind of real‑world experience often tells us far more than any official statement. Have your dealers given you clear guidance? Are you seeing changes in range, charging behaviour, or even trade‑in offers? Share what you’re dealing with — the more voices we hear, the clearer the picture becomes for everyone.
** Image Credit. The image was created by Google Gemini.
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As per other comments the reduced charging on my EX30 is causing issues regarding. my journeys. I purchased one of the first cars and had continuous software problems from the start and in fact Volvo took the car back. My excellent local dealer sourced a replacement but again there were software issues. Various other. updates play with minor points often not well thought out. Like radio goes off when you leave the car but this is no good if a passenger remains in the car. The battery issue is a further failure by Volvo.
Hi David
Sorry to hear that you’ve had issues. I’ve be interested to hear what went on with the car that got took back. I didn’t realise it got that bad for the early cars. I’ll drop you an email.
Mine went back after just a month with a list of issues, they seem to be common for all owners so none of the keyfob and infotainment bits were fixed.
It’s such a shame as it’s overall quite a nice little car
I am currently in dispute with my leasing company regarding returning the vehicle as it is one that has been affected by the battery issue.
I have entered the VIN into Volvo’s own recall website, and it brings up the information, which fundamentally means the car isn’t fit for purpose and is an inherent defect, which was there from manufacturing date.
Under CCA they should be legally obliged to either offer a return, replacement, or repair, but as there’s no info regarding repairs from Volvo, that leaves the former two options as the only outcome.
I’ll be waiting patiently for a response from them.
Purchased the Ex 30 extended range at an additional cost to have the extended range which having now been notified to only charge it to 70% I am clearly paying for something that I don’t have and could have paid significantly less for the lower range model which probably now covers a longer range. I fortunately have had no other issues with the car and up to this point have been enjoying the vehicle but have now lost confidence in the brand and am pleased I decided to purchase the car on a PCP (usually I just buy vehicles outright) as at least I have a guaranteed minimum value given it is likely to depreciate significantly now. It is however a great inconvenience as I am retired and was planning to complete various trips in the UK but have postponed this for the time being given it is likely I am going to have to charge the vehicle numerous times at a greater cost and inconvenience. Volvo need to come up with a solution quickly, it is unacceptable to keep customers waiting indefinitely.
Anne
I bought an EX30 in August. I am 70 years old – installed a Zappi charger and bought the car with the last of my mother’s inheritance. Gave up my utterly reliable petrol Nissan to ‘do the right thing’ for my grandchildren.
I am left frustrated, and frankly scared.
I ring the customer Volvo number every week to be told that there is nothing to be done. What can I do?
There is lots of advice addressed to EX30 owners who have financed or leased their cars, but nothing that I can see about the rights of those who bought the car outright. If it is likely to be just a few weeks’ wait I will probably stick it out, but if it runs into months I really will need to trade it in and buy something reliable. Such a shame as this was my first all-electric purchase. Incidentally I have heard absolutely nothing from the dealer I bought it from.