Volvo EX30 Head Restraint Cushions May Come Loose in a Crash
Volvo is recalling the EX30 electric SUV because the cushions of the front seat head restraints are not fixed strongly enough and could come off in a severe crash. Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) listed the campaign, reference 17190R, on 29 October with 232,431 cars from the 2023-2026 model years, recall database car-recalls.eu reported on 3 November.
Key takeaways
- 232,431 EX30 and EX30 Cross Country cars, model years 2023-2026.
- The head restraint cushion attachment is too weak, and the cushion may detach in a severe crash.
- Workshops reinforce the mounting with two-component epoxy adhesive.
- In the US the same fault covers 9,930 cars, with owner letters due on 30 November 2026.
What the fault is
The problem is the way the cushion is fastened, while the cushion itself is sound. In Volvo's words to the US regulator NHTSA, the "attachment strength isn't good enough", so in severe crashes, specifically high-speed impacts from more than one direction, certain front head restraint cushions can come off. A head restraint without its cushion gives the occupant's head and neck less protection. There are no warning signs in daily driving and nothing the driver can notice beforehand. The seat supplier named in the US filing is Magna Seating Baoji in China.
The US recall
The American campaign, NHTSA number 26V671, covers 9,930 cars: 8,825 EX30 and 1,105 EX30 Cross Country from the 2025 and 2026 model years, built between 3 March 2023 and 28 August 2026. Volvo began investigating in September 2025 together with the supplier, and about a year later classified the problem as critical and decided to recall. Volvo Car USA said it knew of no injuries or deaths linked to the condition, autoevolution reported on 20 October. Owners will be notified on 30 November 2026.
How it is fixed
The repair is quick and the seat stays in the car. Technicians apply a two-component epoxy adhesive at three attachment points of the head restraint, using specified tools, and physical tests have reportedly confirmed the stronger attachment. Neither the head restraint nor the seat is replaced. Volvo's internal code for the campaign is R10396.
What it means for EX30 owners
The KBA campaign spans the 2023-2026 model years, so owners of any EX30 built before September 2026 should assume their car is included until Volvo says otherwise. Owners in Europe can ask their Volvo workshop now using the campaign code R10396, and the job should fit into any routine visit. The car can be driven normally in the meantime, as the cushion problem appears only in a severe crash.
Read the full guide to the Volvo EX30 or browse the Volvo catalogue.
Sources
- Car-Recalls.eu: Volvo EX30, faulty head restraints may increase the risk of injury (KBA, 3 Nov 2026) (accessed 4 Nov 2026)
- autoevolution: Volvo EX30 and EX30 Cross Country EVs recalled for detaching head restraint cushions (20 Oct 2026) (accessed 4 Nov 2026)
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