VOLVO C40BEV · model year

2023 VOLVO C40BEV

40 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2023VOLVOC40BEV carries 40 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2023 C40BEV is electrical system with 6 filings, followed by unknown or other (4) and power train (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 28 investigation files overlapping the 2023 C40BEV. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

40
Complaints
4
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

40 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
POWER TRAIN3
STEERING3
SERVICE BRAKES3
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA3
STRUCTURE:BODY2
SUSPENSION2
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
TIRES1
STRUCTURE1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1

Recalls (3)

25V39200024/06/2025

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

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

25V90800023/12/2025

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

25V28200008/05/2025

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 w

Recent Complaints

20260219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20260219ENGINE

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.

20260219UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20260120AIR BAGS

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

20260120SERVICE BRAKES

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

20260120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20250814ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 11,100

20250814STEERING

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.

Mileage: 11,100

20250814SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

Mileage: 11,100

20250809STRUCTURE:BODY

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

20250805VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

20250730BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

20250131BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

20250117BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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.

20241116LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

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.

20241116VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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.

20241116VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

20240629CrashFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 t

20240414POWER TRAIN

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.

20240326CrashSERVICE BRAKES

I am writing to bring to your attention a potentially catastrophic accident involving our leased C40 vehicle that happened on [XXX], 3:30pm. (ID [XXX] ) On the above mentioned date, my husband, [XXX] , was parking the C40 in a school parking lot to pick up our grandchild. He experienced an alarming episode of unintended acceleration. Despite his efforts to control the vehicle, the car lurched out of the parking space and rapidly accelerated, veered onto a snowy embankment, ran over a metal post, and stopped only after it rammed into a minivan parked in the school pick-up zone with enough force to push the minivan up on the curb. Regrettably, this accident resulted in injuries to the individual in the minivan who waiting to pick up her preschoolers and required emergency medical attention after the accident. She is presently pursuing legal action against our insurance company for both personal injury and vehicle damage. This accident could have caused far worse injuries since preschoo

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NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2023 VOLVO C40BEV have?
The 2023 VOLVO C40BEV has 40 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 VOLVO C40BEV?
Yes, the 2023 VOLVO C40BEV has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 VOLVO C40BEV?
The most-complained component for the 2023 VOLVO C40BEV is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2023 VOLVO C40BEV safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.