VehicleVerdict

2023 Volvo XC40 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2023 Volvo XC40 sits mid-pack among XC40 years: 60 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 42, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

Driver Assistance leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (30% of the total).

60

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2023 compare to other XC40 years?

XC40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted78 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 43 complaints2020: 20 complaints2021: 78 complaints2022: 46 complaints2023: 60 complaints2024: 42 complaints2025: 17 complaints
XC40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC40 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Volvo XC40 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance1830%
Electrical System1017%
Brakes915%
Other712%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Body & Structure35%
Speed Control23%
Steering23%
Engine12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Transmission12%
Fuel System12%
Latches & Locks12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2023 Volvo XC40 have recalls?

4 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.

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.

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.

“The vehicle was driving on cruise control at 55 mph approaching an intersection with a stop sign. Attempted to brake to cancel the cruise control, but vehicle sped and continued gathering speed so that the driver lost any control over the speed. Frantic application of the brake did not have any…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 13, 2023 · crash

“I pulled into a parking spot with a concrete barrier pole at a pharmacy to pick up my sister. I had my foot on the brake while she was getting into the vehicle when the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward crashing into the pole. I have also had an incident where I tried to start the vehicle and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 2, 2026 · crash

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 16, 2025 · crash

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 16, 2025 · crash

“The rear-view camera is cutting out and/or unresponsive. Upon going into reverse, the rear-view camera occasionally cuts out to a blank screen. In a recent instance, I was in reverse and was completely unable to get the rear-view camera to operate whatsoever. When this occurs it is impossible to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 19, 2025

2023 Volvo XC40 — common questions

Is the 2023 Volvo XC40 reliable?

It is close to typical for the XC40: 60 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2023 XC40 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (18 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), brakes (9 complaints).

Does the 2023 Volvo XC40 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Volvo XC40. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC40 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC40 years to avoid are 2021. The cleanest record among XC40 years belongs to 2018.

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.