Software fault in the brake control module with possible loss of braking assistance in the Volvo C40
Yes: in January 2023 Volvo recalled more than 100,000 cars of model year 2023, including the C40 built in 2022, due to a software fault in the brake control module that could reduce braking power or disable the electronic braking assistance functions. It is corrected with a software update and was notified to Safety Gate (alert A12/00184/23).[1][2][3][4]
Why this rating?
Critical severity: It can destroy the engine or gearbox, or affects safety.
Frequency occasional: It is a preventive recall (manufacturer code R10217) corrected with a software update; according to dpa, the fault would only occur in rare cases. The campaign covers around 106,700 vehicles worldwide, but we have not found data on how many actually developed the fault, so we rate it as occasional rather than systemic.[2][3]
Symptoms
- According to dpa, in rare cases the electronic braking assistance functions may stop working while driving, and the car can still be braked with the pedal; the expected effect of losing that assistance is a harder pedal.[3]Hard brake pedal: other faults that cause it · As soon as possible
- The sources consulted do not describe any warning light or prior indication that would allow the problem to be detected before the update.[1][3]
Why it happens
A software fault in the brake control module (campaign code R10217) may cause a loss of braking power or of the assistance functions; none of the sources detail the specific error.[1][2][3]
The DVSA states that the remedy is to update the software of the brake control module.[4]
If it is not repaired: Safety Gate classes it as an accident risk due to possible loss of braking power; dpa specifies that the car can still be braked with the pedal. The sources do not entirely agree on the scope: loss of braking power according to Safety Gate, loss of assistance functions according to dpa.[1][3]
Affected years and cars
The campaign covers the model year 2023 C40s built in 2022; the British DVSA database specifies production between 9 September and 22 December 2022. No units from other manufacturing dates appear in the sources consulted.[2][4]
All recalls and campaigns for the Volvo C40
Other models with the same fault
They share the affected part or platform, according to the cited sources.
- Volvo XC40since 2017[3]
- Volvo S60 IIIsince 2018[3]
- Volvo V60 IIsince 2018[3]
- Volvo XC60 IIsince 2017[3]
- Volvo XC90 IIsince 2015[3]
- Volvo V902016–2024[3]
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Software update of the brake control module at the official Volvo dealer, within the campaign.[4]
None of the sources consulted state the cost to the owner or the duration of the work.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
How to prevent it
- It does not depend on the owner: according to dpa, affected cars must visit the workshop for the update.[3]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
RecallVolvo Car Corporation, notificada en Safety Gate (UE) por Bélgica · January 2023 · Ref. A12/00184/23 (código de fabricante R10217; DVSA R/2023/025)
Campaign R10217: brake control module software
More than 106,000 Volvo vehicles of model year 2023 worldwide (XC40, C40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90). On the C40, units built in 2022. Software update for the brake module. The Safety Gate alert records reactions from Germany, Portugal and other countries, and does not include Spain among the countries that reacted.[1][2][3][4]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo C40s are included in the January 2023 recall?
Model year 2023 cars built in 2022; the British DVSA states production between 9 September and 22 December 2022. Confirm it with the chassis number at an official dealer.[2][4]
Can I keep driving an affected C40?
According to dpa, even if the electronic assistance functions fail, the car can be braked with the pedal; none of the sources consulted call for it to be taken off the road, but it is advisable to book the update as soon as possible.[3]
Does it only affect the C40?
No: the campaign includes the XC40, S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, XC60, S90, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90 of model year 2023.[3]
What can you do now?
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Other faults of the Volvo C40
The faults of its engines are on the Volvo C40 page.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Safety Gate A12/00184/23: Volvo V60, C40, XC40, XC60, XC90 (fallo de software del módulo de control de frenos)Comisión Europea – Safety Gate · Official body · published 2 February 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026
- Volvo C40 (2022): recall for brakescar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 9 February 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026
- Volvo ruft Autos wegen Software-Problems zurückBerliner Zeitung (dpa) · General press · published 24 January 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
- DVSA – base de llamadas a revisión (Reino Unido): R/2023/025 y R/2025/211 para el Volvo C40DVSA (Reino Unido) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026