413,000 Volvo XC40s Recalled Because Backup Cameras Go Blank in Reverse

If you’ve gotten used to backing up by camera, this Volvo XC40 recall should get your attention fast. Volvo is recalling 413,151 vehicles in the U.S., including 2021–2025 XC40s, because the rearview camera image can fail to display when you shift into Reverse, according to NHTSA’s recall acknowledgement letter for campaign 25V908. That kills your view behind the car at the exact moment you’re threading a driveway, parking garage, or school pickup line.

NHTSA lists the issue as a noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 111, the rule that requires a working rear visibility system. In plain terms: if the screen goes blank, the car doesn’t meet the standard. And when the image doesn’t show, your odds of tagging a pole, a cart, or something much worse go up.

The official NHTSA campaign number is 25V908. Volvo’s internal recall number is R10333. NHTSA’s acknowledgement letter is dated January 7, 2026, and it calls this a software-related “back over prevention” issue. Volvo filed the manufacturer report on December 23, 2025.

There’s one detail that matters if you’re the type who actually stays on top of recalls. This campaign replaces an earlier recall, NHTSA 25V282. If your car already got repaired under 25V282, NHTSA says you still need the new remedy performed. Translation: an earlier update didn’t fully close the loop.

Volvo’s remedy is a software update. NHTSA says dealers can apply it, and Volvo can also push it over the air. Either way, it’s free.

How to Get the Fix

Owner notification letters are expected to start mailing on February 16, 2026. NHTSA also says VINs tied to this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 16. If you don’t want to wait for snail mail, you don’t have to. Run your VIN now on NHTSA’s recall lookup tool, and keep checking if it doesn’t show up yet. Some recalls take time to load every VIN into the public database.

Need a human on the phone? NHTSA says owners can contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. You can also call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

If you want Volvo’s side of the house, the company also maintains a VIN-based recall lookup page. And if you’re already seeing the camera glitch, don’t play games with it. Book the update through a dealer as soon as your VIN pops. Parking lots don’t forgive “temporary” visibility.

My Verdict

Treat this like a real safety item, not a tech annoyance. The XC40 is a compact SUV that lives in tight spaces, and tight spaces are exactly where a dead backup camera turns into contact. Check your VIN today. If you already did the earlier recall, check again anyway. This is the follow-up fix, and it’s the one Volvo and NHTSA want on your car.