Volvo's Plug-In Hybrid Recall: Fire Risk Sparks Urgent Action Across Six Models

It’s not often that words like “fire risk” and “garage” appear in the same breath when discussing a luxury automaker like Volvo — but here we are. In a move that underscores the high stakes of electrification, Volvo is recalling 7,483 plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United States after identifying a potentially dangerous fault in their battery systems.

• Fire Risk Alert: A potential short circuit in the high-voltage battery could lead to a fire, especially when the vehicle is fully charged and parked.

• Models Affected: The recall impacts six models — S60, V60, S90, V90, XC60, and XC90 plug-in hybrids.

• Fix in Progress: Volvo dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module and install updated battery monitoring software.

What's Happening?

At the center of the recall is a risk of short circuiting, particularly when the vehicles are fully charged and parked. The timing? Worryingly, this malfunction is most likely to occur overnight, when your car is sitting in your garage — a setting that amplifies the potential for serious consequences.

As an example of rapid action, Volvo will install new battery monitoring software and if needed, dealers will replace the battery module in the recall remedy. The reasoning : to detect anomalies earlier and keep catastrophic failures from occurring before there is a thermal event. So far, there have been no reported injuries or vehicle fires with these issues, but the risk factor itself especially with vehicles being parked in a confined space would make any owner uneasy, regardless of their loyalty to the brand.The Big PictureThis recall is a reminder that even safety-conscious brands like Volvo, have challenges with the transition to electrification.. Plug-in hybrids represent a bridging technology between combustion and full EVs, but they still carry legacy complexity — and sometimes, unexpected risks.

For owners, the message is clear: check your VIN, contact your dealer, and don’t delay the fix.

Affected Models

This isn’t limited to a single model or year. The recall affects a broad range of plug-in hybrid models, including sedans, wagons, and SUVs: