Thailand’s Office of Consumer Protection Board announced plans to file a civil suit against Volvo Cars' Thailand unit over battery-related fires in the EX30 electric vehicle model [1, 2, 3]. The decision came after two EX30 battery fire incidents were reported in Thailand in May 2026 [1, 2, 3].

The watchdog seeks damages including refunds plus interest for 45 complainants who reported problems with their vehicles [1]. There are more than 1,600 EX30s registered in Thailand [2, 3]. Pradoemchai Bunchualuai, adviser to Thailand’s prime minister’s office, said, "The Office of Consumer Protection Board reached a resolution to file a suit for damages, including refunds" [2].

Volvo Cars previously recalled over 40,000 EX30 vehicles worldwide due to a battery defect posing overheating and fire risks. This global recall figure has since been reduced to 37,802 vehicles from 40,323 [1, 2, 3]. The company says fire incidents remain rare, occurring in about 0.1% of affected cars [1, 2, 3].

As an interim safety measure, Volvo advised customers to limit battery charging to 70% [1, 2, 3]. Volvo Cars Thailand has offered battery replacements and temporary vehicle use to 90% of affected customers, with partial replacements for the remainder [2, 3]. However, many owners want a complete refund instead of battery swaps. EX30 owner Tanchanok Nowsuwan said, "Most consumers want a full refund and not battery replacements" [2].

Delays in supplying replacement parts have contributed to customer frustration. The delays are partly attributed to supply chain disruptions linked to the Iran war [1]. In New Zealand, some customers face replacement wait times stretching into the third quarter of 2026 [1].

At a meeting on May 21, 2026, between Thailand’s consumer watchdog, affected EX30 owners, and Volvo Cars, no agreement was reached on refunds [2, 3]. Following that meeting, the watchdog resolved to pursue legal action for damages including refunds [1, 2, 3].

Volvo acknowledged customer frustration and pledged to accelerate resolving the defect. Erik Severinson, Volvo’s chief commercial officer, said, "Rightfully so—a lot of customers were frustrated. We're working as fast as we can to get the new battery modules out to the retailers and to the service workshops ... But I'm not happy for any customer that needs to wait" [1].

Volvo Cars Thailand is scheduled to meet again with the consumer watchdog on May 23, 2026, to discuss next steps in addressing the EX30 battery fire issue [1].