RoadVitals

2023 Volvo C40BEV Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
23
Latest May 13, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 Volvo C40BEV, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Driver assistance720.0%
  • Electrical617.1%
  • Steering411.4%
  • Brakes411.4%
  • Body & structure38.6%
  • Powertrain (other)38.6%
  • Suspension25.7%
  • Visibility25.7%
  • Fuel system12.9%
  • Engine12.9%
  • Airbags12.9%
  • Tires & wheels12.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

After having our car repaired per NHTSA recall 25V-282 we are still having issues with malfunctions of the backup camera system including warning messages that the camera is unavailable during attempts to drive in reverse.

NHTSA ID 11677143 · filed Jul 30, 2025

Cameras stopped working and getting message “camera temporarily not available”. But does not appear to be temporary. Lots of discussion of this issue on message boards but nothing from Volvo.

NHTSA ID 11640010 · filed Jan 31, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 pressure sensors also affected. And not sure what other systems may have been damaged. This had never happened before, and my repair estimate is $5,000.00. It is unfathomable that a car of this level (and price) could have a design that would allow this situation. Thank you for your attention.

NHTSA ID 11719211 · filed Feb 19, 2026

I purchased a used 2023 Volvo C40 that was represented as Certified Pre-Owned. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle developed persistent grinding noises during braking, vibration, and mechanical noises that occur even after normal driving. The vehicle has been returned to the selling Volvo dealer multiple times for diagnosis and repair. Dealer service records state that brake rust was “cleaned” and that the issue was resolved; however, the grinding noise persisted immediately upon pickup. Multiple dealership employees acknowledged hearing the noise. The dealer drove the vehicle over 140 miles attempting to replicate the issue, but no permanent repair was made. I later observed significant corrosion and deterioration on brake and suspension-related components. In addition, the vehicle produces a loud thumping noise from the air conditioning system, which was documented via video and heard by dealership management, but the dealer stated they could not replicate the issue. Despite repeated service visits, the braking noise and mechanical concerns remain unresolved. I am concerned these conditions may affect braking performance, vehicle stability, and overall vehicle safety.

NHTSA ID 11712259 · filed Jan 20, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Persistent steering wheel vibration at highway speeds (60-80 mph), present from the first drive within two hours of taking delivery of this Certified Pre-Owned vehicle on April 14, 2026 at 21,075 miles. No warning lamps or messages. The vibration is constant at highway speed, not intermittent, causing driver fatigue and distraction during sustained highway driving. This is a known defect documented in Volvo Technical Journal TJ 36752.3.0, classified under function group 4661 (drive shaft). Kline Volvo of Maplewood, MN confirmed the vibration and performed the TJ-prescribed repairs: tire balancing, tire replacement, and driver's airbag module replacement containing an oscillation damper. Volvo's own TJ notes this repair only "lessens" the vibration. The vibration improved but in my assessment has not been fully resolved. A second Volvo dealer's service manager independently acknowledged the issue and consulted Volvo's regional service representative, who confirmed no further fix is currently available beyond the TJ repair. I have escalated to Volvo executive leadership in writing and am awaiting response. The vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA ID 11737627 · filed May 13, 2026

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 while driving to and arriving at the residence, the contact was unable to shut off the vehicle. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle with the key fob and instrument panel, but the vehicle failed to shut off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was able to shut off the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,100.

NHTSA ID 11680589 · filed Aug 14, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased a used 2023 Volvo C40 that was represented as Certified Pre-Owned. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle developed persistent grinding noises during braking, vibration, and mechanical noises that occur even after normal driving. The vehicle has been returned to the selling Volvo dealer multiple times for diagnosis and repair. Dealer service records state that brake rust was “cleaned” and that the issue was resolved; however, the grinding noise persisted immediately upon pickup. Multiple dealership employees acknowledged hearing the noise. The dealer drove the vehicle over 140 miles attempting to replicate the issue, but no permanent repair was made. I later observed significant corrosion and deterioration on brake and suspension-related components. In addition, the vehicle produces a loud thumping noise from the air conditioning system, which was documented via video and heard by dealership management, but the dealer stated they could not replicate the issue. Despite repeated service visits, the braking noise and mechanical concerns remain unresolved. I am concerned these conditions may affect braking performance, vehicle stability, and overall vehicle safety.

NHTSA ID 11712259 · filed Jan 20, 2026

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 while driving to and arriving at the residence, the contact was unable to shut off the vehicle. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle with the key fob and instrument panel, but the vehicle failed to shut off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was able to shut off the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,100.

NHTSA ID 11680589 · filed Aug 14, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was at a traffic light today and my rear passenger window just completely spider webbed, while my daughter was in the back seat. I had to pull over and clean as much glass from the window to prevent falling on her and causing any additional damage. There were no other vehicles or pedestrians around. The only thing I can think of is that it was temperature related from being in the sun for a few hours and then having the AC on for about 5 minutes. I have researched on different volvo forums and threads and see other owners having similar issues. [XXX] [XXX] Thermal stress and expansion: When exposed to high temperatures, the glass expands, and if this expansion is uneven (perhaps due to varying thicknesses or materials), it creates thermal stress, potentially weakening the glass. When I reported the incident to the dealership they denied any other complaints or recalls instantly put the blame on an external impact without even inspecting the vehicle. There has been no official inspection by any party. The soonest the dealer will see it is on 8/12/25 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11679601 · filed Aug 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Volvo C40. The contact spilled an unknown liquid inside the trunk and leaked onto the minor and major control units. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the upper and lower control units to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,304.

NHTSA ID 11524624 · filed May 31, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Under acceleration, there is a knocking/loud rattling sound from both front axles and constant velocity joints. I am a former master technician and this is clearly a serious issue with these axles as they cannot tolerate the huge torque output from the electric motor. This is also a mechanical safety issue as if this issue is not rectified by Volvo, the axles could disintegrate leading to loss of control.

NHTSA ID 11582875 · filed Apr 14, 2024

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. Dealer stated it is a problem known to Volvo with no corrective action and they were instructed by Volvo to not fix anything.

NHTSA ID 11525420 · filed Jun 5, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. Dealer stated it is a problem known to Volvo with no corrective action and they were instructed by Volvo to not fix anything.

NHTSA ID 11525420 · filed Jun 5, 2023

Mechanical knocking sound under acceleration. Issue appears to affect other vehicles of the same model. https://www.xc40forum.com/threads/rapid-clicking-noise-under-heavy-acceleration.5551/

NHTSA ID 11510095 · filed Mar 3, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Re. R10320 Volvo sent a recall notice regarding the rearview camera being unavailable when vehicle is placed in reverse. This is an issue that affects me/my car almost daily. The notice is dated June 27, 2025 and was told an Over The Air update would be available. I do not live nearby a Volvo dealer so rely on the ability to update the software remotely. However the OTA option is not recognized by my vehicle. When I called Volvo they told me there is no date by which the OTA update will be available and advised me to visit a dealer. Please encourage Volvo to make this important update available via OTA. Thank you.

NHTSA ID 11678532 · filed Aug 5, 2025

Three issues: 1) in One Pedal Drive mode car when fully stopped on level ground and in Drive (at traffic signal) will accelerate rapidly without any driver contact with accelerator pedal. This happens once to several times a month. In the first incident the car entered the intersection before I stopped the car with the brake pedal. In another incident the car did this when a pedestrian was in the crosswalk. If I had not intervened the car may have hit the pedestrian. 2) the lane keep assist function will steer the car TOWARD large vehicles in adjacent lanes. This happens most often on curved sections of highways with large slab sided vehicles such as passenger buses and semi trailers. Collision avoidance requires driver intervention to steer the car away from the adjacent vehicle. 3) the rear view camera display in the vehicle center screen has stability issues. The display either does not start upon placing car in Reverse or lags or crashes during reverse movement.

NHTSA ID 11625663 · filed Nov 16, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I (and I think many other people) have had accidents in which a Volvo C40 while in One Pedal Driving mode (OPD) lurched forward after having come to a stop from braking. I have had two such accidents. The first time, which occurred on or about 11/10/23 occcurred when I pulled into a neighbor's driveway and stopped behind her car. I was intending to turn around. The Volvo C40, after I had brought it to a stop with the brake, suddenly lurched forward causing major damage to the C40 and my neighbor's car. Her car was pushed into her garage door causing damage to the front, as well as the back, and to her garage door. Fortunately, there were no injuries to a person. This was reported to State Farm Insurance at the time and they paid the damages and for the repair of my car, except for the $1000 deductible. Claim # is 75-58Z4-06F The second accident occurred on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. I was again in One Pedal Drive in the C40. I pulled up behind a parked car and stopped using the brake. As in November of 2023, the C40 suddenly lurched forward hitting the parked car and causing damage to its rear end. There was a driver sitting in the parked car and he might have suffered mild whiplash. This was reported to State Farm, Claim # 75-69X3-29K. I know that this has occurred to other drivers of the C40 car. See for example XC40 Forum under "Unintended Accelaration after Braking" and "Unintended Accelaration Crash"

NHTSA ID 11597738 · filed Jun 29, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 pressure sensors also affected. And not sure what other systems may have been damaged. This had never happened before, and my repair estimate is $5,000.00. It is unfathomable that a car of this level (and price) could have a design that would allow this situation. Thank you for your attention.

NHTSA ID 11719211 · filed Feb 19, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased a used 2023 Volvo C40 that was represented as Certified Pre-Owned. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle developed persistent grinding noises during braking, vibration, and mechanical noises that occur even after normal driving. The vehicle has been returned to the selling Volvo dealer multiple times for diagnosis and repair. Dealer service records state that brake rust was “cleaned” and that the issue was resolved; however, the grinding noise persisted immediately upon pickup. Multiple dealership employees acknowledged hearing the noise. The dealer drove the vehicle over 140 miles attempting to replicate the issue, but no permanent repair was made. I later observed significant corrosion and deterioration on brake and suspension-related components. In addition, the vehicle produces a loud thumping noise from the air conditioning system, which was documented via video and heard by dealership management, but the dealer stated they could not replicate the issue. Despite repeated service visits, the braking noise and mechanical concerns remain unresolved. I am concerned these conditions may affect braking performance, vehicle stability, and overall vehicle safety.

NHTSA ID 11712259 · filed Jan 20, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PIRELLI Scorpion Zero AllSeason Elect 255/40 R20. Rear passenger tire developed a bulge in the sidewall due to manufacturer defect that led to a blowout while driving at highway speeds. Tire was less than two months old (as was the vehicle) with just over 2,000 miles on it. Never had any curb rash, never caught a corner of a pothole, or any other damage. In doing some research perusing Volvo-related forums such as SwedeSpeed, this specific problem seems to be a recurring issue with Pirelli Scorpion tires on C40s and XC40s -- and according to consumers, Volvo has done nothing to rectify this dangerous issue involving the fitting of their vehicles with faulty Pirelli tires despite being notified of the problems and potential risks. My rear passenger rim was damaged and I incurred a $410 expense for the tire replacement as it was not warrantied by either Volvo or Pirelli. When the TPMS went off, I was on a large bridge over the Ohio River, in the left lane of a four lane highway. It was difficult safely navigating through rush hour traffic as cars were swerving to get away from me. I had to drive approximately a mile and a half on a flat tire to the exit where a tire specialty business was located. The problem I noted above was identified and confirmed by a knowledgeable employee at Tire Discounters (Newport, KY) where I brought my vehicle. They could not order the replacement tire due to a national backorder, however they reached out to the closest Volvo dealership (Volvo Cincinnati East) and was able to obtain a tire from them that was delivered the following day. I have a photo of the damaged tire with bulge visible right next to the sidewall blowout.

NHTSA ID 11511439 · filed Mar 12, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .