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
This car is really quirky and fun! I find myself looking for excuses to drive it even when I have no place to go. I never thought I'd own a Volvo coming from Lexus, but this car has personality in spades, whereas the Lexus just seems so sterile. The art deco interior design elements are particularly charming. Two thumbs up!
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Vehicle year: 2019
I was initially drawn to the XC40's body style after seeing it in a commercial. Before deciding, I looked at other brands such as Toyota, Honda, and Subaru. However, once I test drove the XC40, I fell in love with it. It feels great to drive and has good visibility. I especially love the blind spot monitoring and good quality back up camera. The acceleration is very good, shifts smoothly, and has more than enough power. The storage is also good for the size of the vehicle. I'm averaging 28.5 mpg after 3 months of use. The console tablet is easy to use and the interior is sleek and simple. The LED lights are wonderful at night. The T5 is not too youthful nor does it look like an older person's SUV. It has a style of its own and a classy, fresh look. The ride is very comfortable and cabin noise is minimal for a 4 cylinder. It takes turns well and seems to hug the curves strongly. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase!
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Vehicle year: 2019
The Volvo XC40 is an excellent car that combines quality, performance, and style in a compact SUV package. This is our sixth Volvo, and it is one of the best in terms of quality, ride, and handling. My wife absolutely adores this vehicle. Despite being petite, she has no trouble getting in and out of the car, finding the perfect seating position, and driving it comfortably. She also believes that Volvo has the most ergonomic seats in the world. She has back issues, but driving this car for both long and short distances never exacerbates them. I agree with her opinions and would like to add that the XC40's performance and handling are fantastic. While it may not be a Porsche, the turbo-4 (T5) can certainly move when it's necessary to pass or break free from a group of slow drivers. The interior design and quality are both pleasing and comfortable. Volvo has always placed a special emphasis on safety and minimalist design - it's a Swedish hallmark that makes Volvo unique and dependable. In summary, it's a great purchase if you're looking for style, dependability, and quality performance.
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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!
Are you having problems with your Volvo Xc40?
Jacey Flatley 2025-06-07
Vehicle year: 2021
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.
Forrest Reichert 2025-05-26
Vehicle year: 2023
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!
Sammy Ullrich 2025-05-25
Vehicle year: 2020
I recently purchased this car, but unfortunately, I have already experienced some issues. The engine light has come on and the gas mileage indicator fluctuates unexpectedly. Additionally, the engine produces more noise than I expected. I contacted the service department and was informed that the issue may be related to the emissions. As a new car owner, I believe that these issues should not be occurring. I am currently waiting for the problem to be addressed, which will take a week. However, I am confident that the service department will resolve the issue promptly and efficiently.
Hilton Hilpert 2025-05-21
Vehicle year: 2019
I recently purchased this car, but unfortunately, I have already experienced some issues. The engine light has come on and the gas mileage indicator fluctuates unexpectedly. Additionally, the engine produces more noise than I expected. I contacted the service department and was informed that the issue may be related to the emissions. As a new car owner, I believe that these issues should not be occurring. I am currently waiting for the problem to be addressed, which will take a week. However, I am confident that the service department will resolve the issue promptly and efficiently.
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.