The new Volvo EX30 recently launched in South Africa and while it enjoyed a highly positive reception, early owners have shared many grievances they have with the electric crossover.
Apart from an abundance of software bugs that can sometimes render the central screen unusable – which can usually be sorted out with an over-the-air software update – domestic owners have complained about their cars being delivered with differing specs and features than what was advertised, cracks in the exterior panels, and an inability to support a tow hook.
Writing on the Volvo EX30 Owners South Africa Facebook group, one individual said they ordered an Ultra model which was supposed to have 20-inch wheels, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel according to the brochure, but the vehicle that showed up had 19-inch rims and no heated interior elements.
Despite the manufacturer advertising that the EX30 can tow a load of up to 1.6 tonnes, one local buyer of the crossover was allegedly informed by a dealer that the EX30 does not support a tow hook in South Africa and that there is no confirmation at the moment regarding whether it will in the future.
These owners claim that Volvo changed the EX30’s standard specification sheet between the time they bought their car and when it was delivered to them without notifying them of the important alterations.
Another EX30 customer was presented with a car that had all the right accoutrements, but came with tears in the exterior plastic panels and a broken headlight clip.
Cracks in exterior panels of a Volvo EX30. Credit: Leon Jordaan on Volvo EX30 Owners South Africa Facebook Group
Volvo South Africa responds
TopAuto got in touch with Volvo South Africa regarding the early EX30 adopters’ complaints and asked for more clarity behind the issues that its newest product is allegedly suffering from.
Volvo refuted the claim that it changed the specifications of the crossover without informing owners, stating that only one dealership had a listing error which was noted and rectified.
“The specification for the EX30 has not changed. Volvo Car South Africa is aware of a dealership administration error that resulted in some specifications not being selected during the pre-order stage,” the company said.
“We encourage any customers with the related issue to contact their dealership, who will provide a solution.”
Furthermore, Volvo stated that the EX30 is compatible with a tow hook and that the first batch of cars was delivered with this feature.
There was, however, a second batch that excluded this feature, which Volvo said is an issue that was not exclusive to the South African market.
“We are reviewing alternatives to rectify the situation and will communicate these options to customers through the dealer network,” said the subsidiary.
Finally, the company noted that it is aware of only one damaged EX30 unit that arrived in South Africa, which it suspects is the vehicle that the owner complained about on Facebook.
“This was an isolated incident and involved damage that occurred on the carrier,” said Volvo.
“The owner was informed of the damage and given the option to take delivery of the car (while replacement parts were ordered), which he chose to do.”
Should EX30 owners have any other complaints, Volvo urges them to get in contact with their dealers who will do what they can to remedy the issue.
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