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: 2020
We've had our fair share of cars, including a Jeep Grand Cherokee, VW GTI and Sportwagen, BMW 3 series and more, but the Volvo XC40 takes the cake. When it was time to replace our 11-year-old Jeep, we were considering the XC90, but felt a little guilty about it since we live in the city and didn't really need all that space 99% of the time. The XC60 was nice, but we really clicked with the XC40 because it doesn't feel any less nice than the 60, just more compact. It doesn't have as many features, but it has everything we need. Driving the XC40 is a dream - it's sporty like a GTI but a lot less bumpy, which is great for the beat-up roads in Brooklyn. The Polestar adds a little more sportiness without sacrificing anything, and the additional torque in the mid-range is a nice touch. We love it even more than the 3 series, and my wife and I are constantly arguing over who gets to drive it. Safety is a top priority for Volvo, and the XC40 is no exception. The safety features are incredible, and it gives us peace of mind when driving in the city with bikers, pedestrians, cabs, and more. The infotainment system is relatively easy to use after a few days, despite the tablet-like setup. The only thing we wish it had were a few more physical buttons for the climate control. Overall, we highly recommend the Volvo XC40!After going through the initial learning curve, you'll realize that you have the ability to customize a lot and we absolutely love it. We rated it 4 stars because of the initial learning curve, but it's not far off from being great. The first thing you'll notice is that Volvo put thought into everything from the materials to storage and designs. It feels like a much more expensive car. The panoramic moonroof, the materials, seat cushion extensions, 8-way front seats (both!), and lighting options are just scratching the surface. We also love that the car knows when it's me or my wife and remembers our preferences for the seat, mirrors, and more with the two keys we use. The front seats are great, and the seat cushion extension is perfect for my 6'2
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Vehicle year: 2019
I recently test drove an XC60 at Volvo of North Miami and fell in love with it. The technology is unmatched and the standard safety features really set it apart from the competition. The relocation of the A-pillar in the back seat means that rear passengers will have plenty of leg room. The staff at Weston Volvo were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, and I was able to get a great deal on this compact SUV. I highly recommend this vehicle!
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Vehicle year: 2022
I have a Momentum T5 AWD. In response to the earlier review, I don't think the XC40 can be compared to a Mazda or BMW X1. If you're looking for performance, the T5 (248 hp) is the way to go. With premium gas, I can go from 0-60 in 5 seconds. The interior has a very Scandinavian feel to it, with clean lines and a solid, utilitarian design. While the heating can be a bit noisy and the transmission a bit hesitant, the safety features have saved me from close calls with pedestrians and cyclists on busy city streets. It's not perfect, but it's pretty close.
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Vehicle year: 2019
Fast, intuitive, modern, and with lots of tech features that work really well. I recently switched from a Mercedes E-Class convertible to a small SUV and I'm really happy with the change. As a first-time Volvo owner, I'm really enjoying the look and feel of the drive.
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Vehicle year: 2019
We are thrilled with the XC40, which has all the latest safety and technology features. We were looking for a premium brand that wasn't Audi or Mercedes, and the XC40 fits the bill perfectly. It's the same size as our previous vehicle, the CrossTrek, but with even more advanced features. We disagree with some reviews that say the interface/technology screen is difficult to use - we found it just as easy as learning to use a new iPhone or iPad. Plus, as someone who isn't very tall, the back seat doesn't affect me at all.
Are you having problems with your Volvo Xc40?
Rod Spencer 2025-05-13
Vehicle year: 2022
I recently took this car out for an hour-long test drive, right after looking at Mazda's offerings. I must say, this car looks great, and the interior is very minimalist. The little SUV drove very well, and the driving experience and power were fairly well implemented. However, there are a few drawbacks to this car. Firstly, the most irritating thing that no other reviewer mentions is the noise the HVAC system makes. From the slowest fan setting and beyond, it sounds like a server rack. Additionally, all of the HVAC controls are controlled through the in-dash screen, which can be a pain and even dangerous to change while driving. The tire noise above 50mph is worse than all other competitors, and many below its price point. Lastly, for some reason, the materials they use in the door panel cubbies feel like bargain-bin RV materials. For a $45k and up SUV, this seems like a daft choice, and will easily get stained. After reading the other reviews about electronics issues, and the overall experience during our own test drive, I don't think it makes sense to spend $40k or more when Mazda's CX-30 Turbo starts at $30k.
Derick Nienow 2025-05-07
Vehicle year: 2020
I am thoroughly pleased with my XC40 purchase from a month ago. The car is perfect for me as it has all the safety features and tech I was looking for, is smaller and has better gas mileage than my previous XC60. The car is zippy and I recently got 27 mpg in the city. The touchscreen interface is easy to learn and has some great features available. The automatic breaking when you back up in crowded parking lots really works well and I've always loved the parking assist sensors, rain sensors, BLIS, etc. on the Volvos. The drive is smooth overall. Although there are some blind spots in the rear of the vehicle, the BLIS engaged and mirrors set correctly make up for it. The front is small, but the center console, dashboard and steering wheel are positioned for room to stretch a little bit, which is nice. The front seat driver adjustments available are nifty and make for a comfortable ride. The rear seats are adequate in size for most humans. Overall, it's a great vehicle for city driving and long commutes or trips. UPDATE - 11/22/2020 - It's been 11 months since I bought the XC40. I still really like the smooth drive of the vehicle. The mpg in the city is now about 21.5. The temperature/AC/heat settings available through the touchscreen are a bit inconvenient, but it's a minor issue in an otherwise fantastic car.The default temperature preferences do not save, but I have found a solution by adjusting them for each trip. The push button controls for window defrost on/off are set to maximum and work efficiently. However, I cannot make minor adjustments to their levels unless I use the touchscreen, which can be distracting while driving.
Ansley O'Conner 2025-04-18
Vehicle year: 2024
I really enjoyed my previous Volvos, but unfortunately my latest xc40 had some issues with the anti-collision feature that caused some scary moments. Despite multiple visits to the dealer, the issue persisted and Volvo customer service was not able to provide a satisfactory solution. It was a disappointing experience, especially since safety is a top priority for me and my family. As a result, I decided to switch to a different luxury brand. However, I still appreciate the attention to detail and reliability that Volvo is known for.
Charlie Conroy 2025-04-16
Vehicle year: 2021
Drives well with nice performance, but unfortunately, it falls short of the luxury offered by competing brands. The navigation system could use some improvement, and the voice control feature often fails to recognize commands. Additionally, adjusting the AC fan can be a bit cumbersome, requiring multiple clicks and resulting in inconsistent fan strength. Despite these minor issues, the car has some great features and drives smoothly. However, these little things are adding up and may make it unlikely for me to keep the car after the lease. Thank you for considering my feedback.
Barry Halvorson 2025-04-16
Vehicle year: 2024
I recently upgraded my 2019 Volvo XC40 T5 Momentum to the new 2023 version of the same car, the XC40 B5 mild hybrid in the ultimate trim. While I'm generally happy with the car, I have a few minor complaints. The regenerative braking can be a bit slow and stiff, which can be a bit scary when coming to a sudden slowdown on the freeway. Additionally, the sport mode option has been removed, making the car feel a bit sluggish compared to my old one. There are also a few small changes that I'm not a fan of, such as the temperature settings now going in two-degree increments instead of one, and the power back seat drop being eliminated. Overall, though, I'm still enjoying my new XC40!