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: 2019
This subcompact SUV is truly excellent, offering great value and top-notch safety features. I absolutely love it! The driving experience is simply amazing. While the gas level digital indicator can be a bit unreliable and confusing, it's easy enough to just check the actual gas level indicator icon instead. Overall, this vehicle is fantastic. I've had it for 2.5 years now, and even with it sitting in the garage for almost 1.5 years due to COVID, I'm still thoroughly enjoying every drive. It's definitely the best vehicle purchase I've ever made!
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Vehicle year: 2023
We've owned this gem for 3 weeks and it truly is the best car we've ever owned. The street appeal is great and the acceleration and handling are tremendous. However, we were disappointed with the voice commands.
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Vehicle year: 2019
I love my new XC40 Rdesign! It's a great looking car with great performance and comfort. Unfortunately, I've had to take it to the shop a few times. Since I picked it up on April 7th, it's been back to the dealer twice and I'm making an appointment for a third visit. The issues are related to software and hardware, specifically with the safety features. My main concern is with the ABS and Electronic Stability Control, which turn on and off every time I drive it. Although the dealership has fixed the problem each time, it reappears after just two weeks. I've purchased eight brand new vehicles in the past, including Infiniti's, Nissan's, and Volkswagon's, and I've never had these issues before. While I really like the car, it's a hassle and a big inconvenience for a $45K vehicle. If this trend continues, it will probably be my last Volvo.
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Vehicle year: 2021
This is a really good little crossover with pretty good luxury features for the price. It has been very minimal and quite reliable so far. Although the infotainment is a bit annoying because it doesn't make android auto full-screen and the seats could be a bit more premium, it's definitely nicer to live and drive than the CX-5 or CX-30, especially when it comes to comfort and features. Additionally, the paint and corrosion protection is top-notch, which is primarily the reason I bought it over the Mazdas. My old Mazda 3 undercarriage was nearly completely rusted after a couple of years due to the weather. I have heard there were some electronic gremlins, but so far, I have had no issues and stop-start works pretty much like my old Mazda (though I disable it most of the time because it does degrade the starter and doesn't help economy that much). CTA and BLIS are awesome, and the driving feel is definitely really good, though the steering is a bit light. Also, it saved me from some collisions, so top marks so far. Currently, there are 15k miles on the odometer. This is a great car, maybe a bit expensive, but it's definitely worth it for the style, safety, and comfort.
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Vehicle year: 2023
I completely agree with another reviewer that the HVAC is very quiet and effective. It's super easy to change the temperature or other options with just a couple of taps. In the R Design, the materials are excellent and it feels minimalist yet high quality. I love all the thoughtful storage compartments and the built-in trash can. It's really fun to drive, and in the normal comfort mode, I get slightly better than advertised mileage. I have experienced a small issue where occasionally the car doesn’t recognize the remote, but pushing the lock or unlock button resolves it. I do have an appointment next week to take it in for investigation. I also wish it had wireless CarPlay, but I found a great adapter and it works flawlessly.
Are you having problems with your Volvo Xc40?
Dennis Bartoletti 2025-11-20
Vehicle year: 2023
I really like the XC40 but gas mileage is subpar. I'm averaging about 13 mpg city and 23 mpg highway for a combined average of about 20 mpg on each tank of gas. However, the car has some great technology and features, and it's comfortable to sit in and fun to drive.
Blake Kessler 2025-11-17
Vehicle year: 2023
My brand new Volvo xc40 2023 has been in the shop for 29 days and counting due to issues with the IHU (radio) which controls everything from the climate control to the phone to the radio and navigation. Although I have experienced other issues such as the car shutting off if you open the door while it’s in park, the driver’s seat sometimes moves on its own and twice after turning off the ignition, I got a warning upon opening the door that the engine was still running (it was not), I am confident that these issues will be resolved. While it may seem like I have a lemon, I am certain that these issues are not indicative of the quality of other Volvos. I would recommend the 2023 xc40 to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality vehicle.
Fermin Sipes 2025-10-13
Vehicle year: 2024
My brand new Volvo xc40 2023 has been in the shop for 29 days and counting due to issues with the IHU (radio) which controls everything from the climate control to the phone to the radio and navigation. Although I have experienced other issues such as the car shutting off if you open the door while it’s in park, the driver’s seat sometimes moves on its own and twice after turning off the ignition, I got a warning upon opening the door that the engine was still running (it was not), I am confident that these issues will be resolved. While it may seem like I have a lemon, I am certain that these issues are not indicative of the quality of other Volvos. I would recommend the 2023 xc40 to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality vehicle.
Laurel Simonis 2025-10-12
Vehicle year: 2024
I really like the look and feel of this little SUV, but unfortunately, I have been experiencing some issues with the collision avoidance system. Despite turning off all of the safety features, the system keeps going off for no apparent reason. It has caused some scary moments, such as hitting the brakes and yanking me left into oncoming traffic, even on country roads with no lines. I have taken it to service several times, but unfortunately, they have not been able to resolve the issue yet. I am still waiting for a response from Sweden, but it has been longer than expected. Additionally, I have had to have an airbag replaced and the side panel keeps falling down, so it needs to go back to the shop for repairs. Overall, I am disappointed with these issues, but I am hopeful that they will be resolved soon.
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.