2021 Volvo XC40

On July 1st 2025, while slowly reversing out of my driveway at approximately 3–4 mph, the vehicle’s collision detection system errantly detected an imminent collision. Despite there being no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in the vehicle’s path, the system abruptly engaged the automatic emergency braking (AEB). This sudden and forceful braking caused me to experience whiplash due to the unexpected jolt. There was no prior warning or indication of a malfunction, nor any alert from the vehicle indicating why the braking occurred. After exiting the vehicle and inspecting the surroundings, I confirmed there were no obstructions behind or near the vehicle. This appears to be a false positive detection by the vehicle’s collision avoidance system. This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the AEB system, particularly in low-speed reversing situations. An erroneous activation of this kind can result in injury to the occupants, potential rear-end collisions (in other traffic scenarios), and may also contribute to driver mistrust of critical safety features.

Rear collision warning system activated without reason. While stopped at a traffic light the RCWS activated and the emergency brake system engaged. This has been reported before to NHTSA. Vehicle was at the dealership for repairs or to identify the issue. Had to have it towed and dragged onto the flat bed tow truck as the cars emergency brake system was engaged and couldn't be disengaged. Received vehicle back and was told to bring it back once it happened again, which it has twice. But this time, emergency brake did not get stuck and have to be towed. It occurs without a vehicle or anything behind the vehicle and the vehicle was not in reverse when the system activated. I have contacted the Volvo consumer affairs to see if they could assist with resolving the issues as the vehicle remains in an unsafe driving state. They explained to me that it was up to the dealership/shop to locate the problem and they couldn't do anything to help. Which the dealership only suggested a replacement of the hydraulic brake system and I was advised that it might not fix the problem. I've since then been instructed to bring the vehicle back again for them to continue their road testing of the vehicle. The first time the vehicle was left for road testing it was only driven under a mile as per the recorded data showed through the Volvo car application with GPS and mileage tracking. This was explained to the service manager who reiterated to the service technician manager to road test the vehicle again. It was only driven approximately 30 miles with no issues identified by the technicians. I am currently waiting to bring the car back to the dealership for further troubleshooting / road tests.

The contact called on behalf of the mother who owns a 2021 Volvo CX40. The contact stated that the mother was driving approximately 25 MPH, when the brake inadvertently stopped the vehicle and the seatbelt tighten the driver into the seat. There was anti-lock brake light illuminated and a message about accident avoidance city safety. The vehicle was diagnosed at a local dealer with an unknown recall failure. The vehicle was repaired and software updated; however, the failure reoccurred while driving approximately 55 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again for a computer module update; however, failure reoccurred. The contact also experienced the same failure with the vehicle while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,250

On 3 occasions the brakes were seized when attempting to drive the car after being parked if the brakes had gotten wet prior to parking. There is a loud clunk and even at times grinding. The pads/rotors were replaced 2 times and it is going back in for the third time. Each time brake pad material broke off. This compromises the braking capability of the vehicle if the pads have pieces missing.