Problems · NHTSA complaints

2023 Volvo XC40 B5 problems

Owners filed 47 complaints about the 2023 Volvo XC40 B5 with NHTSA between Dec 2022 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (12).

Complaints
47
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system12
  2. Back over prevention11
  3. Forward collision avoidance9
  4. Service brakes9
  5. Vehicle speed control3
  6. Lane departure3
  7. Visibility/wiper3
  8. Seat belts2
  9. Steering2
  10. Structure2
  11. Latches/locks/linkages1
  12. Engine1
  13. Fuel/propulsion system1
  14. Tires1

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 Oct 28, 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
202614

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

12 reports2 crashes
“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

Back over prevention

11 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 9, 2026Back over preventionODI 11749318

Forward collision avoidance

9 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11768225

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

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

Lane departure

3 reports1 crash
“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 to the right as it was locking and completely turning to the left following the yellow dashed construction lane markings. I could not control the car, and I ended up hitting a concrete construction barrier. After impact, I regained control of the wheel and swerved a bit until fully slowing down to pull over onto the right hand shoulder. The front driver side wheel was completely busted and the car was not drivable following the collision. No person was physically hurt, nor other nearby vehicles. We towed the car to the nearest Volvo dealership where it currently remains,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 28, 2026Lane departureCrash reportedODI 11747055
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

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