2023 Volvo XC60

3rd time driving our Volvo on the road and having the automatic emergency brake engage too early or in this instance, with no vehicle in front of us. We have been dealing with issues related to the safety systems and error messages in our Volvo related to “blind spot”, “automatic emergency braking”, and sensor failures or errors since having our vehicle leased since 2023. It has been in the shop MULTIPLE times to have sensors replaced only for errors to come back. Our system current says to clean the front sensors even though there is no debris on them. We also experienced this errors while driving 2025 loaner models with our vehicle in for repairs. We feel unsafe in our vehicle and can’t rely on the safety systems. We have also experienced the entire auto system failing in our car multiple times. This leads to any sounds system including emergency warnings to turn signals from not producing ANY sounds.

System/Component Malfunction: Systemic failure of the onboard computer (Infotainment/Connectivity Module) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), specifically the Collision Avoidance/Auto-Braking system, Rear-view Camera (FMVSS 111 non-compliance), and the 12V Battery management system. All components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection. Safety Risk: The vehicle exhibits frequent "phantom braking" where the emergency collision avoidance system abruptly activates without obstacles present, creating an immediate risk of collisions. Additionally, the "hands-on steering wheel" sensor malfunctions, triggering emergency stopping procedures while driving. The backup camera intermittently fails (black screen), causing a total loss of rear visibility. These issues lead to unpredictable vehicle behavior in high-speed traffic. Confirmation & Inspection: These issues began to be reported to an authorized Volvo dealer within the first year of ownership (2022-2023). Most recently, a total vehicle failure occurred due to a drained 12V battery, which the dealer service department confirmed was caused by a known software module defect. Despite multiple "software updates" by the manufacturer, the safety-critical ADAS malfunctions (phantom braking) have recurred three times in the last week following the most recent dealer service.

Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC | Initial Failure Mileage: 15,000 DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The Google built-in Infotainment Control Unit (ICU) and Audio Control Module (ACM) are repeatedly crashing/malfunctioning while driving. This system failure is a safety hazard because it simultaneously disables critical features: * SAFETY SYSTEM FAILURE: The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is disabled, creating a high risk of collision when reversing. * LOSS OF AUDITORY WARNINGS: All essential auditory cues, including the turn signal click and parking sensor sounds, are lost as the speakers go silent. * Distraction: The screen goes black/unresponsive, requiring a dangerous manual reboot while driving. REPAIR HISTORY: The defect has been confirmed and documented by an authorized Volvo dealer (O'Steen Volvo) on two prior warranty attempts (6/18/24 & 12/19/24) but remains uncorrected. The dealer has admitted they have "no way to fix this" permanently. Corporate (Volvo Customer Care) has been notified. This is a recurring, safety-critical manufacturing defect. Most recent issue was 10/25/205

While backing out of garage, the car abruptly and violently braked. The driver was tossed forward. The rear camera showed nothing in the car's path and no alarms had been set off. Visual review confirmed the absence of anything in the path of the automobile. The automobile was purchased new about 7-10 days before this occurrence. The driver has experienced shoulder, neck, and upper body pains somewhat responsive to acetaminophen tablets. The driver was instructed to turn off the automatic rear brake each time backing up but has not been offered a permanent fix. I do not know if Volvo has been informed or if the dealership has inspected the car.