Volvo XC40 sudden acceleration problems

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · CA · 1 injury

Liquid intrusion in the center console from a routine cup holder spill penetrated unshielded wiring harnesses. This caused progressive electrical failures, including loss of engine power and power steering, failure of the SRS passenger airbag occupant sensor, 12V battery drain, and uncommanded movement of the power driver's seat while driving—which surged forward and pinned the driver against the steering wheel. Dealer repairs are approximately $5,000 to date with active hazards remaining

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · NC · crash

I was pulling into a parking space at very low speed and was in the final stage of positioning the vehicle in the parking space. I was intentionally controlling the vehicle’s movement by gradually lifting my foot from the brake pedal. Instead of continuing to move forward slowly as expected, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward with substantial force and speed greater than would be expected from simply releasing the brake pedal, and crashed into a cement wall. I did not intentionally press the accelerator or attempt to accelerate the vehicle. The collision caused substantial damage to the vehicle. The repair estimate is $14,644.25. The vehicle was NOT in cruise control. The Volvo-installed rubber floor mats were securely attached to the factory retaining pegs on the floor and were not loose or displaced. The vehicle’s Forward Collision Avoidance system did not engage or provide an automatic braking intervention before the vehicle struck the cement wall. The airbag did not deploy. The seat belt did not lock into place during the crash. I am submitting this complaint because the vehicle was being maneuvered at extremely low speed during a parking maneuver and unexpectedly accelerated forward with sufficient force to cause a collision with a cement wall, and resulted in significant vehicle damage. I am concerned that this may represent a safety defect. I request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this incident is part of a broader pattern involving the 2023 Volvo XC40 B5 mild-hybrid, including accelerator/throttle system, brake system, transmission, electronic controls, sensors, software, or communication between these systems. And consider examination of the vehicle’s electronic data, including accelerator-pedal position, brake-pedal position, throttle commands, engine-control-module data, transmission commands, brake-control-module data, diagnostic trouble codes, freeze-frame/event data and relevant software versions immediately preceding the collision.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CO · crash

I pulled into a parking spot with a concrete barrier pole at a pharmacy to pick up my sister. I had my foot on the brake while she was getting into the vehicle when the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward crashing into the pole. I have also had an incident where I tried to start the vehicle and could not get the vehicle to go from park to reverse. This is concerning that there could be some faults in the electrical system, sensors or brakes.

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · 7,600 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated while at a stop sign or a stop light, the engine revved loudly, and the vehicle suddenly lunged forward out of control. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,600.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · FL

On 01/04/2026, while operating a gas-powered 2024 Volvo XC40, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) event while stationary at a red light. With the service brake fully depressed, the internal combustion engine began to surge and rev uncontrollably, making loud noises. The engine torque increased in direct response to increased brake pressure, eventually overcoming the braking system and forcing the vehicle forward into the 3-way intersection. Technical Details: Brake-Throttle Override (BTO) Failure: The vehicle’s safety logic failed to prioritize the brake signal over the uncommanded throttle increase. Shifter Interlock Malfunction: During the surge, the electronic gear selector was unresponsive, preventing shifting into Neutral (N) to disconnect power. Shifting capability only returned once the vehicle was brought to a forced stop. Prior Symptoms: Intermittent "idle flaring" and surging were noted 48 hours prior to the failure. Safety Risk: The vehicle moved into traffic against my intent and physical input, posing a high risk of collision. The car was towed by Volvo Road Assistance on 1/4/26 to the Volvo dealership later that evening. This incident mimics the "Powertrain Control System" defects currently documented in the federal safety agency Campaign 25V392 and the Becker v. Volvo class action, suggesting the software defect extends to ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) models. The car is currently at the Volvo Dealership for diagnostics. The service intake person has not provided an update on whether they have been able to duplicate the issue. I do not know what diagnostics have been performed on the car at this point. There were no warning signs or messages prior to the failure. Some minor surging had been noticed a couple of days before, but this latest incident was catastrophic and a safety risk. I felt trapped in my car.

Filed Nov 27, 2025 · Acceleration, Fuel system · TX · crash

When attempting to park the vehicle, at low speed, the vehicle performed an unintended acceleration leading the vehicle to crash.

Filed Nov 10, 2025 · Driver assistance · ID

Ever since I bought the vehicle new in 2021 I have had perpetual problems with the software and technology. The cruise control system has gone out completely, all electrical fails in the vehicle, apple car play regularly goes out. What is even more of a safety concern is multiple times my car has been automatically braking and suddenly accelerates nearly causing me to rear end the vehicle in front of me. Several times I have been traveling down the road straight ahead with the cruise control system enabled and the vehicle will suddenly automatically turn sharply throwing me towards oncoming traffic or towards the side of the road. Fortunately I have been able to prevent an accident every time because of quick action but this is deeply concerning and an extreme safety concern for me and others on the road.

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Brakes, Transmission · CT

I pulled over right side of street to park behind a parked vehicle to a visit house across the street. Was too far out from curb so I backed up about 12-15 feet or so. Put car in drive and slowly started to drive toward curb when car suddenly accelerated very hard. I turned steering to left to avoid hitting the car in front, straightened car out but could not stop it until it stopped about 20-30 feet down the road. Brake was not stopping my car. The acceleration was something like being on a ramp to get on highway and pressing pedal down to get to highway speed. It was a very hard acceleration. Very frightening. I got an appointment tomorrow for volvo service to look at this. Drove the car after this happened and today without any incident. I bought the car new in Mar 2024 and have NEVER experience this.

Filed Jul 17, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · VA · crash · 1 injury

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025 I was sitting at a stop light, using the Auto Hold system. A few minutes later, my car took off and accelerated on its own and hit the rear of a truck. I hit the truck so hard as he was sitting at the light as well, it pushed his vehicle into the vehicle in front of him. I was unable to stop my Volvo, it was like it took full control over.

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · Driver assistance · FL · crash

Car suddenly accelerated/stuck accelerator in the parking lot hitting several vehicles. Issues: sudden acceleration AND the car did not apply the emergency braking system.