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2023 Volvo XC40 problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2023 Volvo XC40 has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 9, 2026.
- 1safety recall
- 50owner complaints
- 8crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 6injuries reported
The most complained-about Volvo XC40 year on file: 50 complaints, against an average of 26 for the other 6 model years.
Every Volvo XC40 model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2023 Volvo XC40?
The components named most often in the 50 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2023 Volvo XC40 owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 50 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2023 Volvo XC40?8 owners · 16%
- Why does my 2023 Volvo XC40 accelerate unexpectedly or surge?4 owners · 8%
- Why does my 2023 Volvo XC40 transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?3 owners · 6%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2023 Volvo XC40?3 owners · 6% · Recall 25V392000
Has the 2023 Volvo XC40 been recalled?
1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Electric: Control Module: Software Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "B" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.
Risk: A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10329.
Is the 2023 Volvo XC40 recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSABCM2 SW – Safety Notice
Risk: Affected vehicles may experience a temporary loss of braking functionality after coasting downhill with ‘B’ mode selected or when using One Pedal Drive. This could potentially lead to a collision.
Fix: Install modified software via an Over the Air (OTA) update.
UK DVSADue to a software error the left rear indicator may stop working.Due to a software error the left rear indicator may stop working. Should this happen it will be an intermittent issue and a message will be shown in the driver display. By turning the indictor off and back on again the indicator should return to full functionality: if the warning message is no longer displayed the indicator has full functionality.
Risk: Due to a software error the left rear indicator may stop working. Should this happen it will be an intermittent issue and a message will be shown in the driver display. By turning the indictor off and back on again the indicator should return to full functionality: if the warning message is no longer displayed the indicator has full functionality.
Fix: Solution is to upgrade the software.
UK DVSADuring driving or idle the O-Ring may become twisted or break.During driving or idle the O-Ring may become twisted or break. Should this occur there could be an oil leak a message for low engine oil level displayed in the vehicle or an unusual smell in the cabin. In a worst case scenario this could cause a thermal event.
Risk: During driving or idle the O-Ring may become twisted or break. Should this occur there could be an oil leak a message for low engine oil level displayed in the vehicle or an unusual smell in the cabin. In a worst case scenario this could cause a thermal event.
Fix: Replace O-Ring
UK DVSAThere may be a potential software error in the brake control module.
Risk: There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.
Fix: Update the brake control module software.
EU Safety GateThe O-ring used to seal the connections in the oil line has an inadequate diameter.This could lead to the O-ring twisting and then breaking, which can cause an oil leak, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 04/09/2023
EU Safety GateDamaged cables or connections on the accelerator pedal sensor because of corrosion may cause unintentional acceleration or no start…Damaged cables or connections on the accelerator pedal sensor because of corrosion may cause unintentional acceleration or no start condition, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2023 Volvo XC40 owners report?
12 of the 50 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
On August 25, 2026, with my family in the car, my 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge issued a collision-avoidance warning when there was nothing in front of us. No crash, injuries, or damage resulted. I reported the event in writing to the selling dealer, Volvo Cars Danvers, on September 15, 2026. This was not an isolated event. On September 4, 2026, the system activated again while the car was sitting still in traffic, stopped a safe distance behind the cars ahead; that event was reported separately. Despite repeated written requests beginning in early October 2026 for the manufacturer's event reports…
Liquid intrusion in the center console from a routine cup holder spill penetrated unshielded wiring harnesses. This caused progressive electrical failures, including loss of engine power and power steering, failure of the SRS passenger airbag occupant sensor, 12V battery drain, and uncommanded movement of the power driver's seat while driving—which surged forward and pinned the driver against the steering wheel. Dealer repairs are approximately $5,000 to date with active hazards remaining
9/4/26: 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge made an uncommanded collision-avoidance correction at a dead stop. No obstacle ahead, no driver input. No crash/injury. Two prior false alerts (8/25, 8/27). Reported to Volvo Cars Danvers 9/15/26; no finding.
I was pulling into a parking space at very low speed and was in the final stage of positioning the vehicle in the parking space. I was intentionally controlling the vehicle’s movement by gradually lifting my foot from the brake pedal. Instead of continuing to move forward slowly as expected, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward with substantial force and speed greater than would be expected from simply releasing the brake pedal, and crashed into a cement wall. I did not intentionally press the accelerator or attempt to accelerate the vehicle. The collision caused substantial damage to the…
The vehicle intermittently loses all audio output, including music/media, turn-signal sounds, lane-change/blind-spot warning tones, parking/reverse proximity sensor alerts, and other vehicle chimes. I have experienced this problem for more than one year, and it has become significantly more frequent/severe following the latest software update. When the failure occurs, visual displays and cameras may continue to function, but the associated audible safety warnings are completely absent. This creates a safety concern because the driver may not realize that important warning tones are…
Vehicle has 26k miles on it and is under mfr warranty. Dealer-covered warranty has included five (5) visits to address electrical issues with the most recently being 8/13/26. Dealer "system reflash" is not solving the problems. Electrical / safety issues persists, which include: Loss of ALL audio: blinker sounds, all audible safety alerts (seatbelt warning, park assist, blind spot, forward collision alert, and lane keeping). This has also occassionally coincided with a full dark-out of the driver dashboard while the vehicle is running (speedometer, entire instrument panel). This vehicle is for…
The contact owns a 2023 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was directed downward towards the bumper and the ground. The rearview camera image was not displaying within a normal viewing range, making it difficult to park. No warning lights illuminated. A local dealer was contacted, but was unable to determine a related fault code. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
I was driving northbound on XXX, driving from [XXX] to [XXX]. I was driving in the left most lane and was approaching an area of the highway where there was construction currently in progress to my left (this was where Chuckanut Creek intersects the interstate, I was told they were constructing a salmon run there). As my vehicle was approaching the beginning of the construction area, my car's Lane Assist feature activated and the steering wheel turns to follow the yellow dashed lines that were painted on top of the current highway lane I was driving in, and I could not turn the steering wheel…
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Vehicle: 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus BEV VIN: [[XXX]] Date of Incident: [XXX Approximate Mileage: [26,9333] Location: [[XXX]] – occurred while going downhill Component: Service Brakes, Electric; Parking Brake; Vehicle Speed Control Summary: I experienced complete loss of braking while driving my 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge on a highway. One Pedal Drive was active. After coasting downhill for approximately 1.5-2 minutes with no accelerator or brake pedal input, I applied the brake pedal to slow for traffic and discovered the vehicle…
I am submitting this complaint to report a persistent safety-related defect in my 2023 Volvo XC40. Since the vehicle was purchased, the infotainment system has repeatedly crashed while the vehicle is in operation, at times as often as every 5 minutes. The condition has existed both before and after completion of the recall/software update, and it was not corrected after presentation to an authorized dealer for inspection and repair. These repeated system failures materially affect the safe operation of the vehicle. When the infotainment system crashes, the rearview camera becomes unavailable…
Driver assist failed and brakes failed when vehicle veered to left on its own..Brakes and steering failed when trying to correct failure.. Overcorrection caused vehicle to veer off road and over a sign and continue for approximately 50 feet. Vehicle is currently at State Farm towing lot. My safety and others were put at risk with "reckless" driving. The problem has not been reproduced. A State Farm claims adjuster will inspect the vehicle today 2/18/26 or tomorrow. No warning lamps or messages appeared.
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025 I was sitting at a stop light, using the Auto Hold system. A few minutes later, my car took off and accelerated on its own and hit the rear of a truck. I hit the truck so hard as he was sitting at the light as well, it pushed his vehicle into the vehicle in front of him. I was unable to stop my Volvo, it was like it took full control over.
2023 Volvo XC40: questions owners ask
Is the 2023 Volvo XC40 reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Volvo XC40; the most common categories were electrical system (13, 26%), back over prevention (11, 22%), service brakes (11, 22%). There is 1 safety recall. 8 complaints mention a crash, 6 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Volvo XC40?
Across 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (26% of complaints), back over prevention (22% of complaints), service brakes (22% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (20% of complaints), lane departure (6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2023 Volvo XC40 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2023 Volvo XC40; the most recent (campaign 25V392000, 2025-06-13) concerns Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Electric: Control Module: Software. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2023 Volvo XC40?
8 of the 50 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volvo XC40 (16%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. One owner wrote: "I am writing to provide an update on an existing recall, 25V282, for the rear-view camera image failing to display during the start of each reversing event. This issue was meant to be resolved via a software update, which my car received and installed." (NHTSA complaint 11693063, October 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2023 Volvo XC40 accelerate unexpectedly or surge?
4 of the 50 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volvo XC40 (8%) describe unexpected or sudden acceleration, or surging. One owner wrote: "Liquid intrusion in the center console from a routine cup holder spill penetrated unshielded wiring harnesses. This caused progressive electrical failures, including loss of engine power and power steering, failure of the SRS passenger airbag occupant sensor,…" (NHTSA complaint 11774101, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2023 Volvo XC40 transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
3 of the 50 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volvo XC40 (6%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "On Wednesday morning [XXX] at [XXX] I was parking my 2023 Volvo XC Recharge in the parking lot on Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara where I was meeting my walking group for our regular morning walk on the pier and along the waterfront." (NHTSA complaint 11637199, January 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2023 Volvo XC40?
3 of the 50 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Volvo XC40 (6%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. A related recall exists: campaign 25V392000 (service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: software). The fix: Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. One owner wrote: "Driver assist failed and brakes failed when vehicle veered to left on its own..Brakes and steering failed when trying to correct failure.. Overcorrection caused vehicle to veer off road and over a sign and continue for approximately 50 feet." (NHTSA complaint 11718766, February 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own XC40
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 9, 2026. Model year 2023 only; combines NHTSA's entries for XC40 B4, XC40 B5, XC40 RECHARGE TWIN and XC40BEV. How these reports are made.
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