Problems · NHTSA complaints

2023 Volvo XC40 B4 problems

Owners filed 49 complaints about the 2023 Volvo XC40 B4 with NHTSA between Dec 2022 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (13).

Complaints
49
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system13
  2. Back over prevention11
  3. Forward collision avoidance10
  4. Service brakes9
  5. Steering3
  6. Vehicle speed control3
  7. Lane departure3
  8. Visibility/wiper3
  9. Seat belts2
  10. Structure2
  11. Air bags1
  12. Seats1
  13. Latches/locks/linkages1
  14. Engine1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20221
20238
20247
202517
202616

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

13 reports2 crashes
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, SeatsODI 11774101

Back over prevention

11 reports
“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 unavailable, including while changing lanes or maneuvering near other vehicles or objects. The issue can temporarily be corrected by rebooting/resetting the vehicle's infotainment/head-unit system, but the problem returns. We have had to perform this reset at least 10 times in the past several months. The problem appears to involve the vehicle's electrical/infotainment audio system and affects multiple safety-related audible warning systems. The issue existed prior to the most recent software update but has worsened since the update. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 12, 2026Electrical system, Back over preventionODI 11763812

Forward collision avoidance

10 reports2 crashes
“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 for these events, the dealer has produced no report or account for either event. I am concerned that a driver-assistance system that warns without cause could cause a sudden, unexpected vehicle response in traffic.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2026Steering, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11775678

Service brakes

9 reports5 crashes
“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 vehicle. The repair estimate is $14,644.25. The vehicle was NOT in cruise control. The Volvo-installed rubber floor mats were securely attached to the factory retaining pegs on the floor and were not loose or displaced. The vehicle’s Forward Collision Avoidance system did not engage or provide an automatic braking intervention before the vehicle struck the cement wall. The airbag did not deploy. The seat belt did not lock into place during the crash. I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle was being maneuvered at extremely low speed during a parking maneuver and…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 20, 2026Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11765706

Steering

3 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 18, 2026Steering, Service brakes, Lane departureODI 11718766

Vehicle speed control

3 reports3 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 17, 2025Vehicle speed control, Unknown or other, Service brakesCrash reportedODI 11674216
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.