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Volvo · Known Issues

2023 Volvo XC40 Problems: 7 Known Issues

2023 model year · 2,080+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,080+ owner reports, the 2023 Volvo XC40 has 7 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Recharge EV 12V Battery Drain and No-Start Condition ($0-$500 repair), BCM2 Brake Control Module Diagnostic Error Disables ABS, Stability Control and Traction Control ($0-$0 repair), Loss of Brake Function on Hill Descent in B Mode or One Pedal Drive (Recharge/EX40) ($0-$0 repair) and Fuel Pump Control Module Failure ($200-$700 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Sensus Infotainment System Freezing and Random Reboots with 1,100 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • XC40 Brakes2
  • XC40 Electrical4
  • XC40 Fuel System1
  • Recalls7
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Brakes2
  • Electrical4
  • Fuel System1
  • Recalls7
  • FAQ

All 7 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20262025202420232022202120202019

On the 2023 Volvo XC40, the second-generation brake control module (BCM2) used on 2023 XC40s runs a self-diagnostic at start-up that can incorrectly latch a fault. When it does, the module drops ABS, electronic stability control and traction control support for the whole drive cycle. Base hydraulic braking remains, but the car loses anti-lock function, yaw intervention and wheel-spin control — a serious degradation in rain, snow or a panic stop, and one that also disables hill-start assist and trailer stability. NHTSA campaign 23V012000 was remedied over the air.

Common Symptoms

  • ABS, stability control and traction control warning lamps illuminated together
  • Brake pedal works but wheels lock under hard braking
  • Hill start assist inoperative
  • 'Reduced brake support functions' message

How to Fix

Free BCM2 software update under recall 23V012000, delivered over-the-air or at a dealer (notifications mailed March 15, 2023). Ensure the car has taken its OTA updates — cars that sit with connectivity disabled never receive it. If ABS/ESC lamps stay on after the update, the fault is usually a genuine wheel-speed sensor or a low brake fluid level rather than the module.

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Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2023-2026 Volvo XC40, on electrified XC40s the brake-by-wire system blends regenerative braking with hydraulic braking. Descending a grade in B mode or with One Pedal Drive engaged, a software fault in the hydraulic power-assist control can cause the system to hand off badly between regen and friction braking and leave the vehicle without brake function at exactly the moment the driver needs it most. Volvo instructed owners to stop using B mode and One Pedal Drive until the update was applied. NHTSA campaign 25V392000 covers 2023-2026 electrified Volvos including the XC40 BEV/EX40 and PHEV models.

Common Symptoms

  • Brake pedal goes soft or unresponsive during a long downhill
  • Vehicle fails to slow in B mode on a grade
  • Brake system warning during hill descent
  • One Pedal Drive deceleration cuts out unexpectedly

How to Fix

Apply the free brake control software update under recall 25V392000, available over-the-air or through a dealer. Until updated, drive in D with One Pedal Drive switched off on any sustained descent. Because this is a brake-by-wire fault, do not treat a hard or dead pedal on a hill as normal regen behavior — have it diagnosed rather than assuming the software is current.

Find a Volvo dealer

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Open Volvo dealer map in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they service Volvo vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
980 owners

On the 2021-2025 Volvo XC40, the XC40 Recharge (fully electric) has widespread reports of 12V auxiliary battery drain, resulting in a completely dead vehicle that cannot be unlocked, started, or charged. The 12V battery powers the vehicle's computers, door locks, and charging system initialization. The drain is caused by multiple control modules failing to enter sleep mode properly, continuously drawing power from the 12V battery. Cold weather exacerbates the drain. Volvo has released multiple OTA software updates to address module sleep behavior, but the issue persists for many owners, especially if the vehicle sits unused for more than 3-5 days.

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle completely dead - doors won't unlock, no response to key fob
  • Unable to initiate charging session
  • 12V battery warning message before complete failure
  • Vehicle fails to start after sitting 3-5 days
  • Infotainment system sluggish or failing to boot

How to Fix

Ensure latest OTA software update is installed (multiple updates address sleep mode behavior). If vehicle is dead, access the physical key blade in the fob to manually unlock the driver door. Jump-start the 12V battery (located under the hood) using a portable jump starter or another vehicle. Replace 12V battery with AGM type if original has been deeply discharged (Volvo part 31474361). For vehicles that sit unused, connect a battery maintainer to the 12V system. Volvo has also extended warranty coverage for this issue on some model years.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $500

Research This Issue

Based on 980 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence980 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
1,100 owners

On the 2019-2024 Volvo XC40, the Sensus infotainment system in the XC40 is prone to screen freezes, random reboots, and unresponsive touch inputs. The vertical 9-inch touchscreen can go black for 30-60 seconds before restarting, temporarily disabling climate controls, navigation, and backup camera. The issue is linked to software memory leaks and insufficient RAM allocation. Volvo has released multiple over-the-air (OTA) software updates, but the fundamental hardware limitation persists. The 2024+ models with Google Built-In (Android Automotive OS) have different but still present software stability issues.

Common Symptoms

  • Touchscreen freezes and becomes unresponsive
  • Screen goes black and reboots spontaneously
  • Climate controls unresponsive during screen reboot
  • Bluetooth audio cutting out or disconnecting
  • Backup camera delayed or black on startup
  • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto disconnects randomly

How to Fix

Ensure latest software is installed via OTA update or dealer visit. Perform a system reset by holding the home button for 20 seconds. If issues persist, a full system reflash at the dealer may help. Avoid having too many phone contacts synced (limit to under 3,000). Disable unused Sensus features to reduce memory usage. For persistent issues, the Sensus center display module (CEM) may need replacement (Volvo part 32246791).

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,800

Research This Issue

Based on 1,100 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence1,100 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2021-2025 Volvo XC40, a long-running software defect in the XC40's camera/display chain leaves the center screen blank, frozen on the previous view, or showing only guidelines when reverse is selected. This is a FMVSS 111 non-compliance, not a cosmetic glitch, and it is separate from general infotainment reboots — the rest of the system can be working normally while the reverse image never appears. Volvo issued recall 25V282000 covering 2021-2025 XC40 and related models, then superseded it with 25V908000 after the first remedy proved insufficient, which is why some owners saw the fault return after being told it was fixed.

Common Symptoms

  • Black or frozen screen when reverse is selected
  • Parking guidelines shown with no camera image
  • 360-degree camera view unavailable
  • Image appears only after cycling out of and back into reverse

How to Fix

Take the newer remedy under recall 25V908000 (it replaces 25V282000) via OTA or dealer — cars already 'repaired' under the earlier campaign still need this one. If the image is still missing afterward, the fault is typically the tailgate camera itself or a chafed camera coax in the tailgate-to-body harness loom rather than software.

Find a Volvo dealer

Choose to share your location for this search, or enter an area below. Your search location is sent to Google to find dealers.

Open Volvo dealer map in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they service Volvo vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40, the wiring harness that passes through the tailgate hinge breaks from repeated flexing, causing the rear camera, wiper, defogger, or power tailgate to stop working. This is a common Volvo platform issue across multiple models.

This issue also affects: Volvo V70

Common Symptoms

  • Rear camera goes black
  • Rear wiper stops
  • Tailgate won't open electrically
  • Rear defogger inoperative

How to Fix

Locate and repair the broken wires in the tailgate hinge area. Solder and heat-shrink the repairs. Add wire loom protection to prevent future breaks. The dealer can replace the entire tailgate harness.

Typical repair cost:$100 - $500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40, the fuel pump control module fails, causing the engine to stall, not start, or lose power while driving. Volvo issued a recall for some VINs. The module is located near the fuel tank and is susceptible to corrosion and vibration damage.

This issue also affects: Volvo S60, Volvo V60, Volvo V70

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalls while driving
  • No-start condition
  • Loss of power
  • Check engine light
  • Extended crank time

How to Fix

Check if the VIN is covered by Volvo recall R10090. The dealer will replace the fuel pump control module. If not under recall, replace the module and inspect wiring connections for corrosion.

Find a Volvo dealer

Choose to share your location for this search, or enter an area below. Your search location is sent to Google to find dealers.

Open Volvo dealer map in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they service Volvo vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $700

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence
NHTSA Recalls7 recalls

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."

Campaign #25V28200008/05/2025

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 to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #25V90800023/12/2025

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" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.

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Other Volvo Models

Volvo S9028Volvo V6028Volvo S6024Volvo XC6019Volvo V7018Volvo XC9017

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volvo XC40 problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,080+ owner reports, the 2023 Volvo XC40 has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Recharge EV 12V Battery Drain and No-Start Condition, BCM2 Brake Control Module Diagnostic Error Disables ABS, Stability Control and Traction Control, Loss of Brake Function on Hill Descent in B Mode or One Pedal Drive (Recharge/EX40). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Volvo XC40 reliable?

The 2023 Volvo XC40 has 7 known issues documented across 2,080+ owner reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Recharge EV 12V Battery Drain and No-Start Condition and BCM2 Brake Control Module Diagnostic Error Disables ABS, Stability Control and Traction Control and Loss of Brake Function on Hill Descent in B Mode or One Pedal Drive (Recharge/EX40) and Fuel Pump Control Module Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Volvo XC40 problems?

Repair costs for known Volvo XC40 issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Recharge EV 12V Battery Drain and No-Start Condition, typically costs $0-$500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2021-2025 Volvo XC40 Recharge EV 12V Battery Drain and No-Start Condition?

The XC40 Recharge (fully electric) has widespread reports of 12V auxiliary battery drain, resulting in a completely dead vehicle that cannot be unlocked, started, or charged. The 12V battery powers the vehicle's computers, door locks, and charging system initialization. The drain… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: high.

What is the 2023 Volvo XC40 BCM2 Brake Control Module Diagnostic Error Disables ABS, Stability Control and Traction Control?

The second-generation brake control module (BCM2) used on 2023 XC40s runs a self-diagnostic at start-up that can incorrectly latch a fault. When it does, the module drops ABS, electronic stability control and traction control support for the whole drive cycle. Base hydraulic brak… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 2,080+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #25V39200012/06/2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2024 XC40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Central Electronic Module (CEM) software may cause the left rear turn signal indicator to not function.

Campaign #24V01000010/01/2024

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

Campaign #23V01200019/01/2023

+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2023-2026 Volvo XC40 Loss of Brake Function on Hill Descent in B Mode or One Pedal Drive (Recharge/EX40)?

On electrified XC40s the brake-by-wire system blends regenerative braking with hydraulic braking. Descending a grade in B mode or with One Pedal Drive engaged, a software fault in the hydraulic power-assist control can cause the system to hand off badly between regen and friction… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 Fuel Pump Control Module Failure?

The fuel pump control module fails, causing the engine to stall, not start, or lose power while driving. Volvo issued a recall for some VINs. The module is located near the fuel tank and is susceptible to corrosion and vibration damage. Repairs typically run $200-$700. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2024 Volvo XC40 Sensus Infotainment System Freezing and Random Reboots?

The Sensus infotainment system in the XC40 is prone to screen freezes, random reboots, and unresponsive touch inputs. The vertical 9-inch touchscreen can go black for 30-60 seconds before restarting, temporarily disabling climate controls, navigation, and backup camera. The issue… Repairs typically run $0-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2021-2025 Volvo XC40 Rearview Camera Image Fails to Display When Shifting to Reverse?

A long-running software defect in the XC40's camera/display chain leaves the center screen blank, frozen on the previous view, or showing only guidelines when reverse is selected. This is a FMVSS 111 non-compliance, not a cosmetic glitch, and it is separate from general infotainm… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 Power Tailgate Wiring Harness Break?

The wiring harness that passes through the tailgate hinge breaks from repeated flexing, causing the rear camera, wiper, defogger, or power tailgate to stop working. This is a common Volvo platform issue across multiple models. Repairs typically run $100-$500. Severity: medium.