What 23 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge

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 ODI 11737627

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 ODI 11680589

The vehicle started exhibiting steering and acceleration issues on the highway that mimicked high winds. Despite my efforts to keep it in its lane, the car would not respond to my slight adjustments for split seconds, causing a cat and mouse game of projecting it’s next move. The vehicle seemed to be accelerating in a way that made it feel as if is moving diagonally. The steering becomes stiff and unresponsive then releases, like two magnets separating, making only minor incremental changes. This caused the vehicle to swerve around the lane, merely veering into the lanes of a semi truck and several other vehicles. The lane keep assist did not respond or aid as it seemed caused by this very system. Once I reduced speeds to 20-30 MPH from 55-70 MPH, the steering began to make a metal-on-metal grinding noise which the steering turned. Having experienced this, I tested the forward collision very slowly- if it were not for my actions, the vehicle would have hit an object at 10 MPH.

NHTSA ODI 11557790

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 ODI 11525420