Why does my Volvo XC40 Recharge say 'Brake failure'?

Short answer: 'Brake failure' warnings and unresponsive brakes on the XC40 Recharge have been tied to brake software. Recall 25V392000 says some 2023-2024 models can lose brake function coasting downhill in One Pedal Drive, and Volvo says not to use it until the update is done. If you see a brake warning, stop safely and get the car towed. Check your VIN for recalls now.

Symptom: A 'Brake failure' or brake warning shows, regen stops, or the brake pedal feels unresponsive.

What to check first

1. Run your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for 25V392000 and 23V012000.
2. Until the One Pedal Drive recall is done, don't use One Pedal Drive.
3. If a brake warning appears, stop safely and don't drive it.
4. Ask the dealer to confirm all software updates installed correctly.
5. Write down when warnings happen and what the car was doing.

Likely causes

1. Brake-by-wire software fault. The XC40 Recharge uses brake-by-wire, which means the pedal sends a signal to a computer that applies the brakes. Owners linked brake warnings to software, and Volvo has issued software recalls.
2. One Pedal Drive problem on downhills (recall). One Pedal Drive (OPD) lets the car slow itself when you lift off the accelerator. Recall 25V392000 says some 2023-2024 XC40 electric models may lose brake function while coasting downhill in OPD.
3. Software update failure. One owner got a 'Brake failure' message after an over-the-air update. Over-the-air (OTA) means the update is downloaded wirelessly. The dealer had to reinstall it.
4. Sensor blocked by ice or snow. One owner tried clearing ice from the sensors before the car was towed.

What it usually costs

Owners in these threads were under warranty. Recall work is free. Towing may be covered by roadside assistance.

Is it safe to keep driving?

No. If the car shows a brake failure message or the brakes feel wrong, stop as soon as it's safe and have it towed.

DIY or shop?

Not DIY beyond checking recalls and keeping sensors clear of snow and ice. Brake software and hardware are dealer jobs.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists 25V392000 (2023-2024 XC40 electric: brake function may be lost while coasting downhill in One Pedal Drive; owners are told not to use OPD until the software update is done), 23V012000 (2023 XC40 electric: a software error may turn off ABS, stability and traction control; fixed by update) and 21V109000 (2021-2022 XC40 Recharge: the battery control module may reset and cut power). If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect. Some queries returned no data.
• NHTSA complaints: 31 keyword-matched complaints for Volvo XC40 and XC40 Recharge 2021–2024 (of 68 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-03; keywords: brake, braking, stop) (NHTSA returned no data for 2 model-year queries). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In XC40 Recharge Brake Failure on Reddit r/VolvoRecharge, a 2023 XC40 Recharge owner said the brake pedal didn't respond and the car crashed. They said they weren't using One Pedal Drive, and that getting the crash data would likely need the dealer or legal action.
• In XC40 Recharge is a Nightmare. (Brake Failure) on Reddit r/VolvoRecharge, the same owner followed up in Canada and linked news of Volvo's early 2023 brake software recall fixed by an over-the-air update.
• In Brake failure?! on Reddit r/VolvoRecharge, a 2023 XC40 Recharge Ultimate owner lost regen and got a 'Brake failure' message after a software update. Rebooting, clearing ice from the sensors and disconnecting the 12V battery didn't fix it. The car was towed, and the dealer reinstalled the update.

Quick tip

Take any brake warning seriously, check your recalls today, and skip One Pedal Drive until the update is done.

Vehicle focus: Volvo XC40 Recharge (electric), 2021-2024.

Safety / mechanic note

Brakes are a safety system. Don't drive with a brake warning. Verify with a mechanic.