VehicleVerdict

2023 Volvo C40bev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 41 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median C40bev year — the 2023 model ranks #1 of 4 C40bev years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (8), electrical system (6), and steering (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

41

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other C40bev years?

C40bev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted41 complaints2022: 18 complaints2023: 41 complaints2024: 5 complaints2025: 0 complaints
C40bev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all C40bev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Volvo C40bev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance820%
Electrical System615%
Other410%
Brakes410%
Steering410%
Body & Structure37%
Transmission37%
Visibility & Wipers25%
Suspension25%
Speed Control12%
Engine12%
Fuel System12%
Airbags12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2023 Volvo C40bev have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V908000Driver AssistanceDecember 23, 2025 · 413,151 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10333. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 16, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recall number 25V282. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V282 will need to have the new remedy performed.

25V392000BrakesJune 24, 2025 · 11,469 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

25V282000Driver AssistanceMay 8, 2025 · 413,151 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10320.

24V938000AirbagsDecember 18, 2024 · 2 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Volvo C40 vehicles. The clamps may be improperly crimped on the driver's side inner far side air bag module (FSAB), which can cause the air bag to deploy improperly.

Consequence

An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver's side inner FSAB, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10296.

23V188000Electrical SystemMarch 22, 2023 · 393 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).

Consequence

The false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay an emergency response during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10225.

23V012000BrakesJanuary 19, 2023 · 27,457 units

Defect

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.

Consequence

A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10217.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · January 16, 2025

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 16, 2026

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 9, 2023

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 14, 2025

“The cup holder sparked and starting burning after the sun reflected on a plastic water bottle placed in the cup holder, and the water bottle then reacted to the cup holder material and began smoking. This first occurred the day after purchasing the car, with the water bottle the dealership…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 21, 2022 · fire

2023 Volvo C40bev — common questions

Is the 2023 Volvo C40bev reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 41 complaints put the 2023 model at #1 of 4 C40bev years. It is one of the C40bev years to avoid.

What are the most common 2023 C40bev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (8 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), steering (4 complaints).

Does the 2023 Volvo C40bev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Volvo C40bev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo C40bev years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the C40bev years to avoid are 2023. The cleanest record among C40bev years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.