2023 Volvo C40BEV

24 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Sep 16, 2026Failure Aug 25, 2026Edmond, OKFuel/propulsion system, Power train, Vehicle speed control

   Volvo offers a One-Pedal Drive (OPD) where the car can be driven exclusively with the accelerator on its C40 electric cars. Foot off is braking and foot on is accelerating. While using this mode I experienced an uncommanded acceleration of the vehicle. I was creeping forward, applying slight pressure on the accelerator, when the car lurched forward suddenly and was close to impacting a stopped car in front of me. The amount the car accelerated did not match the amount of pressure I exerted on the accelerator pedal. After the car in front of me moved up, I again began to creep and again the car began to lurch forward suddenly in a manner that did not match the amount of pressure I exerted on the pedal. After this I turned off OPD and made a report to Volvo regarding the uncommanded acceleration incident. Road conditions were dry, weather was clear and about 85-90F, there was one car in front of me, and I almost exclusively used OPD before this incident so I was familiar with the pressures required to accelerate

   NHTSA complaint 11764597
2. Filed May 13, 2026Failure Apr 14, 2026Edina, MNSteering

   Persistent steering wheel vibration at highway speeds (60-80 mph), present from the first drive within two hours of taking delivery of this Certified Pre-Owned vehicle on April 14, 2026 at 21,075 miles. No warning lamps or messages. The vibration is constant at highway speed, not intermittent, causing driver fatigue and distraction during sustained highway driving. This is a known defect documented in Volvo Technical Journal TJ 36752.3.0, classified under function group 4661 (drive shaft). Kline Volvo of Maplewood, MN confirmed the vibration and performed the TJ-prescribed repairs: tire balancing, tire replacement, and driver's airbag module replacement containing an oscillation damper. Volvo's own TJ notes this repair only "lessens" the vibration. The vibration improved but in my assessment has not been fully resolved. A second Volvo dealer's service manager independently acknowledged the issue and consulted Volvo's regional service representative, who confirmed no further fix is currently available beyond the TJ repair. I have escalated to Volvo executive leadership in writing and am awaiting response. The vehicle is available for inspection.

   NHTSA complaint 11737627
3. Filed Feb 19, 2026Failure Feb 16, 2026Lake Arrowhead, CAElectrical system, Engine, Unknown or other

   Car was parked at my house. After a heavy heavy rain, I saw 1/2" standing water on the passenger side floorboards. The cowl drainage had been blocked, and I was told water had found it's way into the cabin. It's an EV, so this is a serious issue. My climate control was inoperative, the tire pressure sensors also affected. And not sure what other systems may have been damaged. This had never happened before, and my repair estimate is $5,000.00. It is unfathomable that a car of this level (and price) could have a design that would allow this situation. Thank you for your attention.

   NHTSA complaint 11719211
4. Filed Jan 20, 2026Failure Oct 6, 2025Denton, TXAir bags, Electrical system, Service brakes

   I purchased a used 2023 Volvo C40 that was represented as Certified Pre-Owned. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle developed persistent grinding noises during braking, vibration, and mechanical noises that occur even after normal driving. The vehicle has been returned to the selling Volvo dealer multiple times for diagnosis and repair. Dealer service records state that brake rust was “cleaned” and that the issue was resolved; however, the grinding noise persisted immediately upon pickup. Multiple dealership employees acknowledged hearing the noise. The dealer drove the vehicle over 140 miles attempting to replicate the issue, but no permanent repair was made. I later observed significant corrosion and deterioration on brake and suspension-related components. In addition, the vehicle produces a loud thumping noise from the air conditioning system, which was documented via video and heard by dealership management, but the dealer stated they could not replicate the issue. Despite repeated service visits, the braking noise and mechanical concerns remain unresolved. I am concerned these conditions may affect braking performance, vehicle stability, and overall vehicle safety.

   NHTSA complaint 11712259
5. Filed Aug 14, 2025Failure Aug 14, 202511,100 milesBay Harbor Islands, FLElectrical system, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Steering

   The contact owns a 2023 Volvo C40 BEV. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle lunge forward. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became inoperable with several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving to and arriving at the residence, the contact was unable to shut off the vehicle. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle with the key fob and instrument panel, but the vehicle failed to shut off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was able to shut off the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,100.

   NHTSA complaint 11680589
6. Filed Aug 9, 2025Failure Aug 9, 2025Harbor City, CABody

   I was at a traffic light today and my rear passenger window just completely spider webbed, while my daughter was in the back seat. I had to pull over and clean as much glass from the window to prevent falling on her and causing any additional damage. There were no other vehicles or pedestrians around. The only thing I can think of is that it was temperature related from being in the sun for a few hours and then having the AC on for about 5 minutes. I have researched on different volvo forums and threads and see other owners having similar issues. [XXX] [XXX] Thermal stress and expansion: When exposed to high temperatures, the glass expands, and if this expansion is uneven (perhaps due to varying thicknesses or materials), it creates thermal stress, potentially weakening the glass. When I reported the incident to the dealership they denied any other complaints or recalls instantly put the blame on an external impact without even inspecting the vehicle. There has been no official inspection by any party. The soonest the dealer will see it is on 8/12/25 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11679601
7. Filed Aug 5, 2025Failure Jun 27, 2025Winona, MNVisibility/wiper

   Re. R10320 Volvo sent a recall notice regarding the rearview camera being unavailable when vehicle is placed in reverse. This is an issue that affects me/my car almost daily. The notice is dated June 27, 2025 and was told an Over The Air update would be available. I do not live nearby a Volvo dealer so rely on the ability to update the software remotely. However the OTA option is not recognized by my vehicle. When I called Volvo they told me there is no date by which the OTA update will be available and advised me to visit a dealer. Please encourage Volvo to make this important update available via OTA. Thank you.

   NHTSA complaint 11678532
8. Filed Jul 30, 2025Failure Jul 29, 2025Richmond, CACamera

   After having our car repaired per NHTSA recall 25V-282 we are still having issues with malfunctions of the backup camera system including warning messages that the camera is unavailable during attempts to drive in reverse.

   NHTSA complaint 11677143
9. Filed Jan 31, 2025Failure Jan 31, 2025Takoma Park, MDCamera

   Cameras stopped working and getting message “camera temporarily not available”. But does not appear to be temporary. Lots of discussion of this issue on message boards but nothing from Volvo.

   NHTSA complaint 11640010
10. Filed Jan 17, 2025Failure Jan 16, 2025Cleveland, OHCamera

    There are frequent errors with the infotainment. Often times, when backing up—the screen will say “back up camera not available.” Recently, I experienced a problem where the blinkers were not working until I reset the software on the car.

    NHTSA complaint 11636593
11. Filed Nov 16, 2024Failure Nov 16, 2024Richmond, CAAssist, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper

    Three issues: 1) in One Pedal Drive mode car when fully stopped on level ground and in Drive (at traffic signal) will accelerate rapidly without any driver contact with accelerator pedal. This happens once to several times a month. In the first incident the car entered the intersection before I stopped the car with the brake pedal. In another incident the car did this when a pedestrian was in the crosswalk. If I had not intervened the car may have hit the pedestrian. 2) the lane keep assist function will steer the car TOWARD large vehicles in adjacent lanes. This happens most often on curved sections of highways with large slab sided vehicles such as passenger buses and semi trailers. Collision avoidance requires driver intervention to steer the car away from the adjacent vehicle. 3) the rear view camera display in the vehicle center screen has stability issues. The display either does not start upon placing car in Reverse or lags or crashes during reverse movement.

    NHTSA complaint 11625663
12. Filed Jun 29, 2024Failure Jun 26, 2024Pacific Palisades, CAFuel/propulsion systemCrash

    I (and I think many other people) have had accidents in which a Volvo C40 while in One Pedal Driving mode (OPD) lurched forward after having come to a stop from braking. I have had two such accidents. The first time, which occurred on or about 11/10/23 occcurred when I pulled into a neighbor's driveway and stopped behind her car. I was intending to turn around. The Volvo C40, after I had brought it to a stop with the brake, suddenly lurched forward causing major damage to the C40 and my neighbor's car. Her car was pushed into her garage door causing damage to the front, as well as the back, and to her garage door. Fortunately, there were no injuries to a person. This was reported to State Farm Insurance at the time and they paid the damages and for the repair of my car, except for the $1000 deductible. Claim # is 75-58Z4-06F The second accident occurred on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. I was again in One Pedal Drive in the C40. I pulled up behind a parked car and stopped using the brake. As in November of 2023, the C40 suddenly lurched forward hitting the parked car and causing damage to its rear end. There was a driver sitting in the parked car and he might have suffered mild whiplash. This was reported to State Farm, Claim # 75-69X3-29K. I know that this has occurred to other drivers of the C40 car. See for example XC40 Forum under "Unintended Accelaration after Braking" and "Unintended Accelaration Crash"

    NHTSA complaint 11597738
13. Filed Apr 14, 2024Failure Mar 19, 2023Sequim, WAPower train

    Under acceleration, there is a knocking/loud rattling sound from both front axles and constant velocity joints. I am a former master technician and this is clearly a serious issue with these axles as they cannot tolerate the huge torque output from the electric motor. This is also a mechanical safety issue as if this issue is not rectified by Volvo, the axles could disintegrate leading to loss of control.

    NHTSA complaint 11582875
14. Filed Mar 26, 2024Failure Jan 29, 2024university hts, OHElectrical system, Warnings, Service brakesCrash1 injured

    I am writing to bring to your attention a potentially catastrophic accident involving our leased C40 vehicle that happened on [XXX], 3:30pm. (ID [XXX] ) On the above mentioned date, my husband, [XXX] , was parking the C40 in a school parking lot to pick up our grandchild. He experienced an alarming episode of unintended acceleration. Despite his efforts to control the vehicle, the car lurched out of the parking space and rapidly accelerated, veered onto a snowy embankment, ran over a metal post, and stopped only after it rammed into a minivan parked in the school pick-up zone with enough force to push the minivan up on the curb. Regrettably, this accident resulted in injuries to the individual in the minivan who waiting to pick up her preschoolers and required emergency medical attention after the accident. She is presently pursuing legal action against our insurance company for both personal injury and vehicle damage. This accident could have caused far worse injuries since preschoolers were being picked up at this time in the area where the accident occurred. Our C 40 was in one-pedal mode, and during the accident, none of the alarms activated nor did the front emergency braking system work, and the airbag did not deploy even though the car was probably traveling at speeds greater than 10-15 miles/hour upon impact. Disturbingly, upon further investigation, we have uncovered numerous reports indicating similar incidents of unintended acceleration associated with the C40 series. This raises serious concerns about the safety and reliability of this vehicle, not only for us but for all individuals operating or coming into contact with these vehicles. Our insurance company determined that our car was completely totaled, since the EV battery was destroyed by running over the metal post. The driver of the car suffered a concussion and is still suffering from post concussion syndrome 2 months after the accident. She is unable to drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C

    NHTSA complaint 11579426
15. Filed Jan 12, 2024Failure Jan 4, 2024Naples, FLUnknown or other1 injured

    Rear hatch opens and closed unexpectantly. Closure has hit family members in the head and ear.

    NHTSA complaint 11565224
16. Filed Nov 30, 2023Failure Nov 29, 2023Baltimore, MDAssist, Warning, Steering

    The vehicle started exhibiting steering and acceleration issues on the highway that mimicked high winds. Despite my efforts to keep it in its lane, the car would not respond to my slight adjustments for split seconds, causing a cat and mouse game of projecting it’s next move. The vehicle seemed to be accelerating in a way that made it feel as if is moving diagonally. The steering becomes stiff and unresponsive then releases, like two magnets separating, making only minor incremental changes. This caused the vehicle to swerve around the lane, merely veering into the lanes of a semi truck and several other vehicles. The lane keep assist did not respond or aid as it seemed caused by this very system. Once I reduced speeds to 20-30 MPH from 55-70 MPH, the steering began to make a metal-on-metal grinding noise which the steering turned. Having experienced this, I tested the forward collision very slowly- if it were not for my actions, the vehicle would have hit an object at 10 MPH.

    NHTSA complaint 11557790
17. Filed Sep 25, 2023Failure Aug 17, 2023Lagrange, ILElectrical system, Unknown or other

    There is a software issue in this car which causes the following: 1) Rear backup camera completely turns off multiple times DURING backing up 2) A fault which presents as a "propulsion" failure, which causes the car to stop unexpectedly, start jerking, and then limits top speed to 20 mph. I've taken the car into the dealership for evaluation and was told "there's a software issue, we don't know what date that will be released" Overall, Volvo software is incredibly feeble with multiple errors and slow performance. However, this is my first experience with a software issue that caused the car to malfunction while driving.

    NHTSA complaint 11546426
18. Filed Jun 12, 2023Failure Jun 11, 2023Fall City, WAElectrical system, Automatic emergency braking, Service brakes

    After ota software update, the vehicles braking systems (abs, traction control) and driver assistance systems(lane assistance, adaptive cruise control, one pedal driving mode) no longer functioned normally. The vehicle displayed warning information that read “stop safely, brake failure”; on the instrument cluster. This put my family and others at risk by changing the cars behavior by no longer operating in a one pedal mode and disabling common safety features like abs, traction control as well as the more advanced collision avoidance systems. If I had attempted to operate the pilot assistance it could have easily turned into an incident. The car is now at the dealership, and it sounds like a recent ota “failed to sequence properly” which might have damaged the hardware, or possibly just the software needs to be reflashed, but the technician made it sound commonplace from the last update. The vehicle is not available for inspection it is being remedied at the dealership.

    NHTSA complaint 11526704
19. Filed Jun 5, 2023Failure May 9, 2023Browns Summit, NCPower train, Steering, Suspension

    Vehicle shakes at highway speed (62-75mph) and under heavy acceleration (highway on ramp) since 1st day of owning vehicle. Steering wheel vibrate and rear mirror shakes and is unusable. Took to dealer on 3rd day of owning car and they balanced tires and performed alignment with no improvement. Dealer stated it is a problem known to Volvo with no corrective action and they were instructed by Volvo to not fix anything.

    NHTSA complaint 11525420
20. Filed May 31, 2023Failure May 23, 20231,304 milesAtlanta, GAStructure

    The contact owns a 2023 Volvo C40. The contact spilled an unknown liquid inside the trunk and leaked onto the minor and major control units. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the upper and lower control units to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,304.

    NHTSA complaint 11524624