2022 Volvo XC40

After the recent software update to 5.1.17, the sound in the car ceases to work. None of the emergency sensors sound, the directional doesn’t make sound, the radio doesn’t work. You have to completely reset the entire electronics system, which then deletes certain app data and requires re-login. Volvo Support has not been helpful. Online forums report that this is an issue for many owners. It’s a major safety problem.

My vehicle is affected by the recall #R10320 or NHTSA # 25V282. The recall letter states that the dealerships have the updated software available to solve the back-up camera issue, also over the air update will solve the problem later if that is my choice. The problem is that I see this as just a marketing ploy to get me into the dealership and upsell me on something I don't want. The OTA update should be available at the same time the dealership has the software. This is not an acceptable situation. This issue has always been very annoying and inconvenient and continues to be so. I just don't want the inconvenience of going to the dealership where there should be an alternative.

In the past 3 months, my 2022 Volvo XC40 has experienced four complete power failures, each requiring a tow. 1️⃣ The first incident occurred while waiting at a left-turn lane; the car stalled and would not restart. 2️⃣ The second incident happened at a car wash where the vehicle died mid-process and could not be restarted. 3️⃣ The third incident was the most dangerous—while driving at 50–60 mph on a single-lane road, the car suddenly lost all power. I was fortunate to find a safe spot to pull over. 4️⃣ The fourth incident occurred on July 4th while I was visiting a town 2.5 hours from home. After stopping for gas, the car wouldn’t restart and had to be towed to a local Volvo dealership. These repeated failures create a serious safety risk, especially for drivers like myself who use highways regularly. Sudden loss of power at high speeds could result in a collision or leave occupants stranded in dangerous situations.

When backing the vehicle out of a parking space on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, the vehicle lurched and moved very slowly. The center HUD displayed the message, "Slow Down. The Vehicle will reduce speed. Propulsion system failure." The vehicle was towed to the Volvo certified dealer in Roanoke VA. The technician "reset" the error code and released the vehicle to me. The dealership could not tell me if the vehicle was safe to drive. I called the dealership multiple times, and they stated the problem was being investigated by Volvo corporate. Still, no one can tell me if and the conditions the vehicle will begin its automatic deceleration protocol. I have a second report now from the dealership that the error must occur twice for them to investigate it more thoroughly. I feel fortunate that this occurred in a parking lot, and not while travelling at any speed in heavy traffic. Volvo online forums have been reporting this error since at least August 2022. https://www.xc40forum.com/threads/propulsion-system-failure.5150/ This is the second response from the dealership after I called today for progress: "–based on your DTC codes it appears you are referencing TJ-36309, CMA BEV IHFA Internal Processor Failure. At this time the concern has only occurred 1 time and has not returned after following the TJ. A software fix is still under development to prevent misdetection of these DTCs, as you stated. This TJ was only released last month, VCUSA is working towards a solution. However, if the codes return it signals further fault tracing is needed and we will have to evaluate the situation if it happens." This does not sound safe, and I thank you all for reading.