FaultScore

FaultScore report

2021 Volvo XC40 problems

Owners have filed 80 complaints about the 2021 Volvo XC40 with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026. The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 7 worst.

D

FaultScore 80/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Volvo XC40.

How this is worked out

The numbers

80

Complaints

6

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries reported

7,625 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

75%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 86 vs 50 Severity 58 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 86
Against the median year of the Volvo XC40. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 58
11.3% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
75% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2021 compares with every other Volvo XC40

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2021 Volvo XC40

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 18,003 mi

Median failure at 29,475 miles

1 crashes, 0 fires

Other & Unspecified 6 7.5%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 5 6.3%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 5 6.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Transmission & Drivetrain 5 6.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Brakes 4 5.0%

Median failure at 5,250 miles

Engine & Cooling 4 5.0%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

Body & Structure 3 3.8%

Median failure at 23,000 miles

Seat Belts 1 1.3%
Wheels 1 1.3%

Median failure at 4,900 miles

Lights 1 1.3%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Automatic Emergency Braking 5 25.0%
Rearview System Braking 3 15.0%
Camera 3 15.0%
Warning 2 10.0%
Assist 2 10.0%
Adaptive Cruise Control 2 10.0%
Body 2 10.0%
Warnings 1 5.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 2 25.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 25.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 25.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 12.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 1 12.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

May 2021 peak 13 Jul 2026

Recalls on the 2021 Volvo XC40

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

25V908000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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."

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

25V282000

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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."

Risk: 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.

21V881000

ENGINE

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2021 XC40 BEV vehicles. A bolt that secures the cross-member bracket for the electrical motor in the engine compartment may be loose or missing.

Risk: A loose or missing bolt may decrease the structural protection of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

21V682000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

21V109000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2022 XC40 Recharge vehicles. The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) microprocessor may reset and cause the high voltage system to disconnect.

Risk: A disconnected high voltage system can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2025718 40,673 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall no. 2025-233. Vehicles that were repaired under that recall also require this repair. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volvo will notify owners by mail and send a wireless over-the-air software update to eligible vehicles to update the vehicle software. Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to have the update performed at a Volvo dealership.

Recall 2025233 40,673 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volvo will notify owners by mail and send a wireless over-the-air software update to eligible vehicles to update the vehicle software. Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to have the update performed at a Volvo dealership.

Recall 2022595 31,117 units in Canada

Visual System

Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the top-view camera to display instead of the rearview camera image when you are reversing. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when reversing. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a 360-degree park assist camera. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volvo will notify owners in writing and send a wireless over-the-air update to each vehicle. If the update cannot be completed successfully, or for vehicles without over-the-air (OTA) update capability, Volvo will instruct you to schedule an appointment to have the update performed by a dealer.

Recall 2022216 459 units in Canada

Electrical

Issue: On certain XC40 Recharge models, water may enter the wire harness for the accelerator pedal. If this happens, the accelerator pedal may not work properly. This problem could also cause the vehicle not to start. Safety Risk: An accelerator pedal that does not work properly could cause a loss of power to the wheels or a sudden unintended acceleration. Both could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Volvo will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to add a cable splice to the accelerator pedal wiring.

Recall 2021540 3,078 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles, the passenger seat belt assemblies may contain defective automatic locking retractors (ALR). As a result, the seat belts may not properly lock to secure a child seat. Note: The vehicle's lower universal anchorage system (UAS) is not affected by this defect and may still be used to secure a child seat. Safety Risk: A seat belt that is used to secure a child restraint but is not properly locked could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Volvo will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the seat belts. They will be replaced, if necessary.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Houston, TX Crash

POWER TRAIN

When attempting to park the vehicle, at low speed, the vehicle performed an unintended acceleration leading the vehicle to crash.

NHTSA complaint #11701801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

When attempting to park the vehicle, at low speed, the vehicle performed an unintended acceleration leading the vehicle to crash.

NHTSA complaint #11701801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX Crash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

When attempting to park the vehicle, at low speed, the vehicle performed an unintended acceleration leading the vehicle to crash.

NHTSA complaint #11701801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gaithersburg, MD 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

On July 1st 2025, while slowly reversing out of my driveway at approximately 3–4 mph, the vehicle’s collision detection system errantly detected an imminent collision. Despite there being no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in the vehicle’s path, the system abruptly engaged the automatic emergency braking (AEB). This sudden and forceful braking caused me to experience whiplash due to the unexpected jolt. There was no prior warning or indication of a malfunction, nor any alert from the vehicle indicating why the braking occurred. After exiting the vehicle and inspecting the surroundings, I confirmed there were no obstructions behind or near the vehicle. This appears to be a false positive detection by the vehicle’s collision avoidance system. This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the AEB system, particularly in low-speed reversing situations. An erroneous activation of this kind can result in injury to the occupants, potential rear-end collisions (in other traffic scenarios), and may also contribute to driver mistrust of critical safety features.

NHTSA complaint #11671132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gaithersburg, MD 1 injured

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

On July 1st 2025, while slowly reversing out of my driveway at approximately 3–4 mph, the vehicle’s collision detection system errantly detected an imminent collision. Despite there being no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in the vehicle’s path, the system abruptly engaged the automatic emergency braking (AEB). This sudden and forceful braking caused me to experience whiplash due to the unexpected jolt. There was no prior warning or indication of a malfunction, nor any alert from the vehicle indicating why the braking occurred. After exiting the vehicle and inspecting the surroundings, I confirmed there were no obstructions behind or near the vehicle. This appears to be a false positive detection by the vehicle’s collision avoidance system. This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the AEB system, particularly in low-speed reversing situations. An erroneous activation of this kind can result in injury to the occupants, potential rear-end collisions (in other traffic scenarios), and may also contribute to driver mistrust of critical safety features.

NHTSA complaint #11671132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Car can move forward automatically itself from stop position

NHTSA complaint #11603647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Farmington, CT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I own a 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge (pure electric). At 49,030 miles, while slowly driving in a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly began shuddering and jerking as if driving over rumble strips. A warning message appeared stating “Propulsion System Failure” and indicated the vehicle would reduce speed. The vehicle lost propulsion and came to a stop. After stopping, the vehicle would not re-enter Drive or Reverse and could not be driven. It was stuck in position in the parking lot but not in a parking space. The instrument cluster and infotainment systems still powered on, but the vehicle repeatedly displayed messages such as “Vehicle system check. Wait” and would not enter a ready-to-drive state. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership with a dolly. It took 4 hours to move it because the first tow truck could not safely move it with the wheels stuck in place. This failure occurred without prior mechanical warning or other preceding symptoms. Dealer diagnosis identified an internal failure of the front axle inverter high-voltage assembly (IHFA). Service records document a 400A fuse failure, welded battery disconnect unit (BDU) contactor relays (R1 and R2), and overheating/damage to high-voltage battery disconnect components. Repair required replacement of the IHFA, BDU contactors, and high-voltage fuse. The dealership stated this was not a normal wear-and-tear issue. I have since found reports from other Volvo Recharge owners describing similar propulsion failures involving inverter and high-voltage battery disconnect components. My safety concern is the sudden loss of propulsion while the vehicle was in motion, with no warning and complete vehicle immobilization. Had this occurred at highway speed or in traffic, it could have created a serious collision hazard. The dealership service person agreed that my only chance to get the vehicle to a safe location was to coast. After that, it'd be stuck. I was unaware of this, which is itself an issue of concern.

NHTSA complaint #11748171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Farmington, CT

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I own a 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge (pure electric). At 49,030 miles, while slowly driving in a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly began shuddering and jerking as if driving over rumble strips. A warning message appeared stating “Propulsion System Failure” and indicated the vehicle would reduce speed. The vehicle lost propulsion and came to a stop. After stopping, the vehicle would not re-enter Drive or Reverse and could not be driven. It was stuck in position in the parking lot but not in a parking space. The instrument cluster and infotainment systems still powered on, but the vehicle repeatedly displayed messages such as “Vehicle system check. Wait” and would not enter a ready-to-drive state. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership with a dolly. It took 4 hours to move it because the first tow truck could not safely move it with the wheels stuck in place. This failure occurred without prior mechanical warning or other preceding symptoms. Dealer diagnosis identified an internal failure of the front axle inverter high-voltage assembly (IHFA). Service records document a 400A fuse failure, welded battery disconnect unit (BDU) contactor relays (R1 and R2), and overheating/damage to high-voltage battery disconnect components. Repair required replacement of the IHFA, BDU contactors, and high-voltage fuse. The dealership stated this was not a normal wear-and-tear issue. I have since found reports from other Volvo Recharge owners describing similar propulsion failures involving inverter and high-voltage battery disconnect components. My safety concern is the sudden loss of propulsion while the vehicle was in motion, with no warning and complete vehicle immobilization. Had this occurred at highway speed or in traffic, it could have created a serious collision hazard. The dealership service person agreed that my only chance to get the vehicle to a safe location was to coast. After that, it'd be stuck. I was unaware of this, which is itself an issue of concern.

NHTSA complaint #11748171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 23,000 miles Chelmsford, MA

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that the liftgate was consistently making loud sounds while opening or closing. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

NHTSA complaint #11742916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westport, CT

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I was sitting in the car with my daughter with the car in park, but the engine was on. Suddenly the engine started revving, and I thought her foot hit the peddle but it wasn't the case, and she had to turn the car off. I then got into the driver's seat and started the car again, and it did the same thing. I turned the car off and had to Uber home.

NHTSA complaint #11717691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 10,000 miles Tampa, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The contact was able to pull into a nearby parking lot where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the cause of the failure and repaired the vehicle. The contact believed that the battery and drive train were repaired. Approximately 2 to 3 years later, while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle started shaking, lost motive power, and stalled. Law Enforcement arrived on the scene, and while assisting with moving the vehicle from the middle of the road became aware that coolant was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the inverter drive system and wiring harness had caused a catastrophic drive failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11715748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Novato, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The vehicle experienced a complete loss of propulsion, causing it to freeze and become unable to move. The first occurrence happened during the original factory warranty period and required towing to a dealership, but the root cause was not identified at that time. The same loss-of-propulsion failure has since recurred, rendering the vehicle inoperable. A dealership has now diagnosed a failure of an electric vehicle propulsion/inverter component. The vehicle is currently in the dealership’s possession and available for inspection. Loss of propulsion presents a safety risk, particularly if it occurs while driving or in traffic, as it can result in sudden loss of power and inability to move the vehicle out of hazardous situations. The failure has been confirmed by the servicing dealership. There is also concern that a related cooling system component may be involved, but that has not yet been confirmed, as the primary propulsion failure must be addressed first. As of the date of this complaint, the vehicle remains inoperable and has been at the dealership since mid-November awaiting repair authorization.

NHTSA complaint #11708396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX Crash

POWER TRAIN

When attempting to park the vehicle, at low speed, the vehicle performed an unintended acceleration leading the vehicle to crash.

NHTSA complaint #11701801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

When attempting to park the vehicle, at low speed, the vehicle performed an unintended acceleration leading the vehicle to crash.

NHTSA complaint #11701801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Houston, TX Crash

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

When attempting to park the vehicle, at low speed, the vehicle performed an unintended acceleration leading the vehicle to crash.

NHTSA complaint #11701801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Meridian, ID

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Ever since I bought the vehicle new in 2021 I have had perpetual problems with the software and technology. The cruise control system has gone out completely, all electrical fails in the vehicle, apple car play regularly goes out. What is even more of a safety concern is multiple times my car has been automatically braking and suddenly accelerates nearly causing me to rear end the vehicle in front of me. Several times I have been traveling down the road straight ahead with the cruise control system enabled and the vehicle will suddenly automatically turn sharply throwing me towards oncoming traffic or towards the side of the road. Fortunately I have been able to prevent an accident every time because of quick action but this is deeply concerning and an extreme safety concern for me and others on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11698511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Meridian, ID

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Ever since I bought the vehicle new in 2021 I have had perpetual problems with the software and technology. The cruise control system has gone out completely, all electrical fails in the vehicle, apple car play regularly goes out. What is even more of a safety concern is multiple times my car has been automatically braking and suddenly accelerates nearly causing me to rear end the vehicle in front of me. Several times I have been traveling down the road straight ahead with the cruise control system enabled and the vehicle will suddenly automatically turn sharply throwing me towards oncoming traffic or towards the side of the road. Fortunately I have been able to prevent an accident every time because of quick action but this is deeply concerning and an extreme safety concern for me and others on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11698511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Meridian, ID

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Ever since I bought the vehicle new in 2021 I have had perpetual problems with the software and technology. The cruise control system has gone out completely, all electrical fails in the vehicle, apple car play regularly goes out. What is even more of a safety concern is multiple times my car has been automatically braking and suddenly accelerates nearly causing me to rear end the vehicle in front of me. Several times I have been traveling down the road straight ahead with the cruise control system enabled and the vehicle will suddenly automatically turn sharply throwing me towards oncoming traffic or towards the side of the road. Fortunately I have been able to prevent an accident every time because of quick action but this is deeply concerning and an extreme safety concern for me and others on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11698511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riverside, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Back up camera consistently does not turn off. Audio system, including turning signals and reverse alert do not activate. This continues to be a safety risk despite numerous software updates that have allegedly fixed the issues.

NHTSA complaint #11690240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riverside, IL

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

Back up camera consistently does not turn off. Audio system, including turning signals and reverse alert do not activate. This continues to be a safety risk despite numerous software updates that have allegedly fixed the issues.

NHTSA complaint #11690240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sherman Oaks, CA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The supposed software fix for the rearview camera not being available did not solve the problem. I’m still getting “Camera is temporarily unavailable.” When shifting into reverse. Vehicle was updated to software version 3.7 and this issue persists.

NHTSA complaint #11685234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Huntingtown, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1. OBC failure. Stranded unable to charge. Situational could be dangerous. 2. Rt side mirror defaults to extreme angle after locking car evert time. Dealership could not troubleshoot solution.

NHTSA complaint #11677385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Huntingtown, MD

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1. OBC failure. Stranded unable to charge. Situational could be dangerous. 2. Rt side mirror defaults to extreme angle after locking car evert time. Dealership could not troubleshoot solution.

NHTSA complaint #11677385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stockton, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I was driving this car on Highway 99 on 7/11/2025. The dashboard flashed the message " Stop safely The vehicle will stop Propulsion system failure." I cut the lane and stopped my car on the Highway 99 shoulder. Just right, my car stopped on the Highway shoulder; it disabled itself and couldn't move at all. The gear shift can't shift to neutral (N). From the first message appearing on the dashboard to the car being disabled takes just a couple of seconds. When it happened, it was about 6:30 pm, rush hour. If I had not had a chance to drive the car immediately to the highway shoulder, the vehicle would have stopped in the lane, and I would have been crashed into by the cars behind me. This could lead to a catastrophic traffic accident. I want to mention that when the message appears on the dashboard, there is no sound alert. When people drive on the highway, their eyes are most likely focused on the road. Without a sound alert, people may not be aware of the message present. I contacted to the manufacturer on the 7/13, Sunday, they said they will open the case to investigation. As I report this incident, I have not heard from them yet. I uploaded the message photo that appears on the dashboard when the incident happened. Let me know if you need any information from me. Thank you!

NHTSA complaint #11673958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gaithersburg, MD 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

On July 1st 2025, while slowly reversing out of my driveway at approximately 3–4 mph, the vehicle’s collision detection system errantly detected an imminent collision. Despite there being no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in the vehicle’s path, the system abruptly engaged the automatic emergency braking (AEB). This sudden and forceful braking caused me to experience whiplash due to the unexpected jolt. There was no prior warning or indication of a malfunction, nor any alert from the vehicle indicating why the braking occurred. After exiting the vehicle and inspecting the surroundings, I confirmed there were no obstructions behind or near the vehicle. This appears to be a false positive detection by the vehicle’s collision avoidance system. This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the AEB system, particularly in low-speed reversing situations. An erroneous activation of this kind can result in injury to the occupants, potential rear-end collisions (in other traffic scenarios), and may also contribute to driver mistrust of critical safety features.

NHTSA complaint #11671132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gaithersburg, MD 1 injured

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

On July 1st 2025, while slowly reversing out of my driveway at approximately 3–4 mph, the vehicle’s collision detection system errantly detected an imminent collision. Despite there being no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in the vehicle’s path, the system abruptly engaged the automatic emergency braking (AEB). This sudden and forceful braking caused me to experience whiplash due to the unexpected jolt. There was no prior warning or indication of a malfunction, nor any alert from the vehicle indicating why the braking occurred. After exiting the vehicle and inspecting the surroundings, I confirmed there were no obstructions behind or near the vehicle. This appears to be a false positive detection by the vehicle’s collision avoidance system. This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the AEB system, particularly in low-speed reversing situations. An erroneous activation of this kind can result in injury to the occupants, potential rear-end collisions (in other traffic scenarios), and may also contribute to driver mistrust of critical safety features.

NHTSA complaint #11671132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Scandia, MN

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention screen image malfunctioned and started flickering before displaying a blank screen. During the failure, the message "Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V282000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 36,000.

NHTSA complaint #11670489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bloomington, MN

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

After having the rear camera software update to address the safety recall on 05/28, the “camera unavailable” problem persists. This vehicle has underpowered chipset in the IHU and the entire IHU should be subject to recall.

NHTSA complaint #11663945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Erdenheim, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Turning out of parking lot , car started pulsing, and stopped. Propulsion failure box popped up. Thankfully no cars behind us (young daughter in car seat)or was not attempting to merge on highway. Tow truck manually pulled car as no electric (cannot unlock or open trunk), completely shut down.

NHTSA complaint #11662285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seattle, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The 12-volt battery has failed on 5 occasions. Each time, I tried to unlock the vehicle after being away from it for a short period (e.g., 5-40 minutes). I had to use the manual key to unlock the vehicle, but the vehicle wouldn't start. I had the vehicle towed 4 times. One time it started on its own. I have taken the vehicle to my Volvo dealership 3 times for this issue. The most recent time this happened the dealership instructed me to have Volvo Roadside Assistance tow the vehicle to the dealership, even though the vehicle was 91 miles from the dealership. The tow operator confirmed to me that the car wouldn't operate, and that she reported this to the dealership. Still, because the dealership has be unable to replicate the problem, it refuses to replace the 12-volt battery system. There have been no warning lights. This is a safety issue because it has occurred at night, far from my home and outside of mobile phone coverage. I am also concerned that it may occur while I am driving, although that has not occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11634084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Blacklick, OH

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

-The forward automatic braking system/City Safety has misfired multiple times in all weather conditions, on surface streets and on the highway. -This causes automatic braking which could cause an accident. -The car is currently at the dealer for inspection since 10/25/2024. It is now 11/5/2024. -There was a message on the dash saying that the dashboard screen was blocked- this began a few months ago. This issue with the automatic braking began after my last service for an oil change about two months ago.

NHTSA complaint #11623705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.