Volvo Xc40 problems
The Volvo XC40 is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV (C-segment) manufactured by Volvo Cars. It was unveiled on 21 September 2017 as the smallest SUV model from Volvo, below the XC60. Orders started in September 2017, and manufacturing began in November 2017.
Aside with conventional petrol and diesel engines, a plug-in hybrid model was introduced in 2019, and a battery electric vehicle model was released in 2020. Both the plug-in hybrid and the battery electric versions were marketed as the XC40 Recharge. In 2024, Volvo renamed the battery electric XC40 to the Volvo EX40, aligning it with newer battery electric models such as the EX30 and the EX90.
A coupe version of the battery electric model with a sloping rear roof was released in 2021 as the C40 Recharge. It was renamed to the Volvo EC40 since 2024.
The XC40 was given the European Car of the Year Award at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. and the car was named Car of the Year Japan for 2018/2019.
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Volvo Xc40 model years
Common Volvo Xc40 problems
The Volvo XC40, a subcompact luxury crossover SUV, has been praised for its design and features since its introduction in 2017. However, like any vehicle, it has faced certain common issues that have been reported by owners.
One of the most frequently reported problems is related to the handbrake, which sometimes fails to hold the car, particularly when parked. This issue can be intermittent and may not pose a significant safety risk, but it can be frustrating for owners.
Another common problem is related to the indicator system, where the left indicator may display a fault message. This issue has been addressed by reloading software, but it has been reported to reoccur after a few weeks.
Some owners have also reported a drone noise on braking, which has been attributed to the B3 mild hybrid system. While this noise has been reported to decrease over time, it can still be an annoyance for some drivers.
The 360 reverse camera has also been a source of frustration for some XC40 owners. In some cases, the camera has displayed a dark screen on reverse, requiring a loan car while the issue was being addressed. While Volvo has provided an OTA update to resolve this issue, it has not been successful in all cases, leading to ongoing complaints.
In addition to these specific issues, there have been reports of minor electronic glitches, particularly with the infotainment system and electronic driver aids. These faults, while not affecting the vehicle's drivability, have caused inconvenience for some owners.
The Volvo XC40 has also faced reliability concerns, with the brand consistently ranking low in J.D. Power's list for long-term reliability. The XC40's two bigger brothers, the XC60 and XC90, are also known for their unreliability, which may be a cause for concern for potential buyers.
Overall, while the Volvo XC40 has been praised for its design and features, it has faced certain common issues that have been reported by owners. These issues range from minor electronic glitches to more significant problems with the handbrake and indicator system. Additionally, concerns about long-term reliability may be a factor for potential buyers to consider.
Is the Volvo XC40 a reliable car?
The 2024 Volvo XC40 has a predicted reliability score of 72 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the best year for the XC40?
There are many top-notch years available for the Volvo XC40. We recommend 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023 used versions for maximum time on the road and minimal time in the repair shop.
What is the most common problem with the 2024 Volvo XC40?
A common problem with the 2024 Volvo XC40 is the handbrake not securely holding the car and the collision avoidance system malfunctioning.
Is XC40 a good buy?
Why should I buy a Volvo XC40? The XC40 is a brilliant family SUV that offers a great mix of performance, practicality, comfort and interior quality. In short, it's definitely worth putting on your shortlist. Which is the best engine for the Volvo XC40?
Latest 5 recalls Volvo Xc40
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 12 recalls for different components of the Volvo Xc40.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volvo Xc40 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-01-10
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2024 XC40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Central Electronic Module (CEM) software may cause the left rear turn signal indicator to not function.
- Consequence: A nonfunctioning exterior turn signal may not notify other drivers of a turning vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: The CEM software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 16, 2024. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10256.
- Model: Volvo Xc40 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-22
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).
- Consequence: The false warning message could prevent the detection of an actual e-call system failure, which could delay an emergency response during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the telematics and connectivity antenna module (TCAM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 16, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10225.
- Model: Volvo Xc40 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-01-19
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.
- Consequence: A reduction in brake support functions can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volvo will release an over-the-air (OTA) BCM2 software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 15, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10217.
- Model: Volvo Xc40 2021
- Report Received Date: 2021-11-12
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2021 XC40 BEV vehicles. A bolt that secures the cross-member bracket for the electrical motor in the engine compartment may be loose or missing.
- Consequence: A loose or missing bolt may decrease the structural protection of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the cross-member bracket and install new bracket bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10128.
- Model: Volvo Xc40 2021
- Report Received Date: 2021-09-01
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.
Latest negative Volvo Xc40 car reviews
Latest positive Volvo Xc40 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2023
We were able to find all the features, luxury, and tech we were looking for in the XC40. Although the exterior and interior color options were limited, we were pleased with the Denim Blue with Blond interior. The leather seats are incredibly comfortable and adjustable, making it stand out from other small SUVs we tried. The AWD T5 is perfect for my wife, and I plan to add the Polestar tune in the future. We initially went looking for an S60 sedan, but we couldn't find one that met our needs. Luckily, we stumbled upon this XC40 T5 Inscription in Denim Blue with the blond interior and AWD, which is absolutely gorgeous! We're not fans of the electronic shifter that replaced the mechanical shifter on our old XC60 and my 2013 S60, but we love the Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. The touchscreen can be a bit cumbersome to navigate, but the voice recognition and steering wheel controls make up for it. The seating is the most comfortable we've tried, even compared to Audi, BMW, and Acura. While the performance is not the best, it picks up nicely once the RPMs get up to around 2,000-2,500. The XC40 also comes with both carpeted and rubber floor mats, which is a nice touch. Although there was a steep learning curve from our 2012 model, we've adapted well. One thing to note is the excellent ground clearance of 8.9 inches, which is a big consideration in Chicago where it snows at least that much almost every winter.
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Vehicle year: 2019
We are so happy with our purchase! The car has been a solid performer, it's fun to drive, and we feel safe in it. Plus, the fuel economy is fantastic! We've put 20,000 miles on it and it still looks great and runs like a dream. We've only had to take it to the dealer for scheduled service. We couldn't be happier!
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Vehicle year: 2021
I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your XC40 2020! It sounds like it has some great features, such as good power and torque, and a comfortable interior with plenty of headroom. It's also great to hear that it handles well in winter conditions with the Gislaved NORD*FROST tires. Overall, it seems like a practical and reliable car for both short and long trips, especially for two people with dogs or kids in the back. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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Vehicle year: 2023
I am absolutely loving my 2021 T5 R Design XC40! I previously owned the XC60 for 12 years and loved it, but this new little gem has stolen my heart. While the cargo area is a bit smaller than the XC60, my husband can still fit his golf clubs and 2 large pieces of luggage in the car with ease, so all is right with the world according to him. I have read some complaints about the interactive system in the car, but I found it easy to use after reading the short portion on how to use it and the general commands. I also read that some people felt like it's not as luxurious as it could be, but I personally chose the R Design because I wanted a sportier look both inside and out. If you're looking for a smaller SUV with the standard Volvo luxury, I would recommend checking out the XC40 Momentum and Inscription. Overall, I am completely happy with my new toy and I am confident it will bring me another 12 years of joy like my XC60 did!
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Vehicle year: 2019
My wife traded in her 2015 Porsche Macan S for this 2019 Volvo XC40 and I have to admit, I wasn't thrilled at first. However, after taking it on a road trip from Atlanta to Key West, I was pleasantly surprised. Despite the rain on our first day, the XC40 performed wonderfully and the color combination of Amazon Blue and white top looked even better in the Florida sunshine. The car turned heads everywhere we went and even I couldn't resist calling it my wife's 'Pretty Girl'. What really impressed me was the 'Auto-pilot' feature, which allowed me to drive straight from Naples to Atlanta without feeling fatigued. The XC40's tracking was incredible and it kept me safe on the road. Overall, I highly recommend giving this car a try and experiencing its many features for yourself.
Are you having problems with your Volvo Xc40?
Frankie Stanton 2025-10-01
Vehicle year: 2022
When our new Volvo was delivered, I wanted to test the automatic back-up braking system to ensure it worked as described. However, when my wife tried backing up with her foot on the brake, the car did not stop. We tried again without her foot on the brake, but the car still did not stop. The person who delivered our car called the Volvo dealership and they explained that the automatic brake only works when you're accelerating. After two more attempts, the car still did not stop, and I had to jump out of the way when I was within 2 feet of the rear bumper. I took the car back to the dealer, but they found nothing wrong. I then contacted Volvo Customer Service, and the representative was very helpful. She took down all the information about my car and said she would turn it over to some quality control section and they would get back to me. According to the Volvo website, the Cross Traffic Alert with Auto-brake can detect cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles, helping you manoeuvre safely — even when vision to the rear of the car is restricted. It's a great feature that can give you increased awareness of potential road users behind you at the right moment when reversing out of a parking space.When reversing out of a parking space, the driver is alerted by a warning sound from the left or right speakers, corresponding with the location of the hazard, and a visual warning in the centre display. This feature not only makes reversing easier and safer, but also improves safety for other road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians. Additionally, there are several videos available online demonstrating the Automatic Braking system stopping the car while backing up when a pedestrian is walking behind the car. It is important to note that our system works properly and we take safety very seriously at Volvo.
Dusty Dare 2025-10-01
Vehicle year: 2021
I recently purchased a new 2021 xc40. Unfortunately, I have experienced some dangerous malfunctions with the auto start/stop feature and the city safe auto braking system. It was quite concerning when the auto braking system went off randomly while I was traveling at 50mph. I have found it difficult to bring the car in for service as many Volvo dealers do not have loaner fleets, unlike other luxury brands. Additionally, I have found that the owner support hotline/Volvo on call is not very knowledgeable about the tech systems in the car. Despite these challenges, I still have a lot of respect for the Volvo brand. However, I would advise others to consider other luxury brands until Volvo's service catches up at both the dealer and corporate level.
Wilfredo Keeling 2025-09-29
Vehicle year: 2022
I purchased a Momentum XC40 less than a year ago and have had numerous problems, a few of them quite serious. While driving in the center lane of a freeway with adaptive cruise control engaged, another vehicle changed lanes in front of me, not dangerously, and quite a ways ahead. The collision avoidance braking engaged, but I was in control and able to navigate safely to a small shoulder. The Apple Car Play had intermittent issues, but the dealer was able to resolve most of them by replacing the vehicle's USB hub. Occasionally, I have trouble navigating back to the operational displays when accessing the online user manual. During a multi-highway merge situation, the vehicle experienced reduced power, but I was able to safely navigate to the side of the road. These issues have been frustrating, but I am confident that the dealer will continue to provide excellent service and support.The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was discovered that a turbo duct had come loose. Unfortunately, this is the second time that the vehicle has failed me in a precarious situation. It appears that there are quality issues with the console software and the adaptive braking systems. Due to these safety concerns, I have decided to part ways with this vehicle this month. While my experience with this Volvo has been disappointing and even dangerous, I am confident that I will find a more reliable vehicle in the future.
Grover O'Kon 2025-09-09
Vehicle year: 2023
I've had a few issues with my car in the past 18 months. During rain, there was a rumbling noise from the sunroof that my local dealership initially dismissed. However, after some persistence, they checked it out and fixed it according to what I had read online. I've also noticed a pull to the right and a vibration while braking, but unfortunately, the dealership couldn't diagnose the issue for a few weeks. Additionally, I've had trouble with a driving light and the tailgate not always opening consistently. While these issues are frustrating, I understand that sometimes things can go wrong with any car. I do wish that the dealership could have been more accommodating with scheduling appointments and providing updates, especially considering the price of the car and the warranty I purchased. One thing I do find inconvenient is that the temperature/AC/heat settings are only available through the touchscreen, which can be a distraction while driving.The Heat/AC fan makes noise even on the slowest setting, which can be a bit distracting. The push button controls for window defrost work fast, but unfortunately, they don't allow for minor adjustments without using the touchscreen, which can be inconvenient while driving. Additionally, the raise/lower speed buttons on the steering wheel change cruise control speed in increments of 5 mph, which can be frustrating if you need to make small adjustments. Lastly, the wiper washer system could be improved as the washer fluid tends to go onto the blade itself instead of spraying on the window, resulting in uneven distribution.
Dillan Dooley 2025-09-07
Vehicle year: 2020
I really enjoy driving this car, but unfortunately, I have experienced a few issues during the first year of ownership. There have been two recalls, one for the brake pads due to corrosion and another for the check engine light related to emissions and the mass air flow. Additionally, the suspension has been causing some trouble, and my car will be in the shop all weekend while they try to identify the issue. I am a bit concerned about what might happen after the warranty expires, given the problems I've had with less than 25k miles. Despite these issues, I appreciate the car's nimble handling and unique appearance. I have noticed that there is a slight delay when trying to use the radio or phone immediately after starting the car, but it's not a major issue.