What 36 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Volvo XC40 T5

I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in my vehicle. The AEB system has repeatedly activated without any apparent reason, causing the vehicle to brake suddenly when there are no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or road hazards present. These events have occurred under normal driving conditions. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership at least five times (possibly more) for this same issue. Each time, the dealer has stated that the vehicle is “operating as designed” or that they were unable to identify or correct the problem. Despite these visits, the unintended braking continues to occur. There have been passengers in the vehicle during these incidents who witnessed the sudden, unnecessary braking and can confirm that no hazard was present at the time. This defect creates a serious safety risk, as unexpected braking could easily result in a rear-end collision or loss of control. I am increasingly fearful that this issue will cause an accident. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can investigate whether this defect affects other vehicles with the same system and take appropriate action to protect public safety.

NHTSA ODI 11713966

I am on my third Volvo in ten years, a 2022 XC40 that I purchased in new from the dealer. It's actually my second Volvo XC40. However I have had serious safety issues with the current model as it has repeatedly engaged the anti collision braking nearly causing an accident on one of the 8-9 times this has happened. It was taken in to two different dealers multiple times for repeat errors with the anti collision system. Each time the system has activated - 8-9 times - the road conditions are perfectly fine and there are no cars or obstructions in the road. On a recent incident in 2023 my kids were thrown forward and all of our luggage ended up dispersed throughout the car. It was a hard brake from about 40 mph down to nearly zero before I could get control of the vehicle. The only warning was a message and red colors on the dashboard at the same time as the braking. If a car had been following me we would certainly have been hit from behind. It has been a terrifying experience with each inaccurate activation of the anti collision feature, but Volvo services in contact with Volvo engineers can't fix it. And they won't provide me with any details or access the computer to substantiate my claims. I contacted my salesperson out of desperation and he agreed that this wasn't normal. He submitted a request for a trade assist but it was denied by Volvo. I feel compelled to let other owners know as it is a very serious safety flaw that is being ignored by Volvo.

NHTSA ODI 11570507

The rear backup camera consistently fails to provide a view while in reverse. The camera either blinks between a view and black screen, or will completely fail and say the camera is unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11553711

I was driving Westbound on a 2-lane tree-lined county road at around 9:00 AM with the sun behind me. Without any other vehicles, pedestrians or objects, the car came to a sudden hard-brake stop with the seatbelt clenching around me. I was alarmed by this "phantom braking" experience. I have an appointment with my local Volvo dealer, though I don't expect a resolution. Instead, I will request this so-called safety feature be disabled. I am extremely concerned if this would have happened on a busier street or highway.

NHTSA ODI 11450279