2019 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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Common 2019 Volvo Xc40 problems
The 2019 Volvo XC40 has been praised for its appearance, performance, safety, and technology. However, there are some common problems and issues that owners have reported.
- Transmission Jerkiness: Some owners have reported a weird transmission jerkiness in the 2019 Volvo XC40. This issue can be particularly noticeable during low-speed driving and can affect the overall driving experience.
- Fuel Economy: The 2019 Volvo XC40 has been criticized for its lackluster fuel economy.
- Seat Comfort: The XC40's seat comfort has been questioned, with some owners finding it inadequate for long trips. This can be a significant issue for those who enjoy road trips or have long commutes.
- Software Updates: Some software issues have been reported in the 2019 Volvo XC40, such as problems with the vehicle connectivity module (VCM) that sends location information to the emergency services after a collision. A software update is required to fix this issue, which applies to cars constructed between 6 October 2017 and 30 October 2018.
- Rear Seatbacks: The rear seatbacks in some 2019 Volvo XC40s might not remain in the upright position, which can be attributed to missing lock strikers on both sides of the bench. This issue affects a small number of examples built between 20-21 June 2018 and can be resolved by having the strikers fitted by any Volvo dealer free of charge.
- Brake Booster: A small number of 2019 Volvo XC40s built between 29 November 2019 and 21 February 2020 may have a missing nut securing the brake booster, which is part of the vehicle's braking system. It is recommended to speak with a Volvo dealer to find out if your XC40 is affected by this issue.
- Reliability: The 2019 Volvo XC40 has received mixed feedback from owners regarding its reliability. While some have reported a satisfactory level of reliability, others have experienced minor electronic glitches, particularly with the infotainment system and electronic driver aids. These faults, while not affecting the vehicle's drivability, can cause inconvenience.
- Brake and Electronics Issues: The Volvo XC40 has been known to have issues with its brakes and electronics, which can be a concern for potential buyers. These problems are more prevalent in used XC40s, and it is recommended to consider an extended warranty or look for a certified example with inspection and history reports.
- Tailgate Release and Rear Camera: The tailgate release button and rear view camera module can come loose in some 2019 Volvo XC40s, with the screws that hold it in place breaking through the plastic cover . This issue is particularly common in 2019 models and can be fixed by the dealer if it is still under warranty.
- Tailgate Drain Hole Rusting: The drain holes at the bottom of the tailgate can start rusting out, especially in climates where a lot of salt is used on the roads in the winter . This area isn't sealed, making it susceptible to getting wet and rusting.
In summary, while the 2019 Volvo XC40 has many positive attributes, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and issues to ensure they make an informed decision.
What are the most common problems with Volvo XC40?
What are the most common problems with a used Volvo XC40 estate?
- Software issue. A problem was found with the vehicle connectivity module (VCM) that sends location information to the emergency services after a collision. ...
- Rear seatbacks. ...
- Brake booster.
Is the Volvo XC40 a reliable vehicle?
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.
How many miles will Volvo XC40 last?
200,000 miles
How many miles does a 2024 Volvo XC40 last? A Volvo XC40 compact SUV can last up to 200,000 miles or even more when it is treated to routine maintenance and preventive service over its lifetime.
Is the Volvo XC40 expensive to repair?
The average annual repair cost for a Volvo is $769, which means it has above average ownership costs.
What are the most common problems with Volvo XC40?
What are the most common problems with a used Volvo XC40 estate?
- Software issue. A problem was found with the vehicle connectivity module (VCM) that sends location information to the emergency services after a collision. ...
- Rear seatbacks. ...
- Brake booster.
Is the Volvo XC40 a reliable vehicle?
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 are the brake issues with the 2019 Volvo XC40?
Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The brake pedals may not have been correctly riveted, allowing the pedal to move out of position, possibly reducing braking performance. Tip: Recalls don't affect every vehicle of the same year, make and model.
Does 2019 Volvo XC40 require premium gas?
Volvo recommends that premium, 91 unleaded octane or higher for the best performance.
2019 Volvo Xc40 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Volvo Xc40.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2019 Volvo Xc40 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2019 Volvo Xc40.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
- Summary: Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.
- Consequence: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29998.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.
- Consequence: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
- Park It: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
- Summary: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The brake pedals may not have been correctly riveted, allowing the pedal to move out of position, possibly reducing braking performance.
- Consequence: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volvo has notified owners advising them to stop driving their vehicle. Cars will be inspected on-site or towed to dealers and the brake pedals will be replaced as necessary, free of charge. Volvo began contacting their owners on August 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R59899.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA LLC
- Components: SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Summary: Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The rear seats may not have rear seat back lock strikers, allowing the seat back to move forward during certain hard braking conditions or a crash.
- Consequence: If the seat back moves forward during hard braking or in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install the seat back lock strikers if they are missing, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89898.
Negative 2019 Volvo Xc40 car reviews
Positive 2019 Volvo Xc40 car reviews
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Owen has owned 5 Volvos, including 1 wagon, 2 convertibles, 2 XC90s, and now my Inscription XC40. The XC40 is a very roomy SUV that makes it easy to zip around town compared to my previous XC90s. It's just as comfortable as the XC90 on long trips, and I'm so happy that Volvo came up with this one. Additionally, it's beautiful both inside and out, with a sporty exterior. I just love my INSCRIPTION XC40!
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I have been driving my little Volvo for three years now and I still love it! In fact, I am upgrading to the new XC40 Recharge in March and I can't wait. I can't say enough about how much fun this little SUV is. My lease is up next year and I have already reserved my electric version of the XC40. I still love this car as much as I did when I first got it in January 2020. I have not encountered any new concerns or issues. A year later in July 2019, I still loved my Volvo. Although the issues I listed a year ago remain, they are not big issues and Volvo was able to correct the moonroof screen problem. I would love to see them resolved in the next model. I have owned 19 vehicles, including Toyotas, Hondas, Fords, Subarus, and Chevys, but this is BY FAR my favorite. Let me qualify my review by saying that I have no kids and rarely take passengers other than a couple of large dogs. I wanted an AWD SUV that was compact but did not lack any of the larger SUV perks and got good gas mileage while still having get-up-and-go. This is the only SUV I found that gives you the same options as the larger SUVs while still giving you a decent size engine to get you there as quick as you want with good gas mileage. This car does everything I was looking for and does it in style. It is truly a fun car to drive and I am so happy I got it. The pros FAR outweigh any of the petty first-world issues I have come across, most of which are to be expected on a first-model year vehicle. The only issue I can find is with CELL PHONE CHARGING.The wireless charger compartment lacks ventilation, causing it to overheat within minutes. Additionally, with a larger phone such as the Note 8, wireless charging and Android Auto cannot be used simultaneously due to limited physical space. The port for Android Auto is not fast charging, so if you cannot use the wireless charger while using Android Auto, you essentially cannot charge your phone. The only fast charging port in the vehicle is the USB-C facing the rear seats in the center console. As for the lane keep assistant, it can be a bit hyper-sensitive at times, even set on the lowest/mildest setting, which can be frustrating. The panoramic moonroof uses a multi-function button that can be overly sensitive and opens things you didn't intend. The screen doesn't always close completely, which may be in part due to the multi-function button trying to open the vent end of the moonroof. The XC40 allows you to set and save individual driving settings, but even with this, you still have to change the driving mode setting every time you get in the car. Finally, the A/C system does not start blowing cool/warm air immediately, unlike other manufacturers. Despite these minor issues, I love this SUV and look forward to seeing the coming model years and the perfection that is sure to come. After driving the XC40 for 8 months, I can confidently say that I like it as much, if not more, than when I first wrote about it. Although there are some minor issues that could be improved in future models, they do not diminish my love for this fun and exciting little SUV. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing this model with the little bugs worked out!
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(Due to restrictive text length this review has two parts, this is part 2, see part 1 prior to reading this) 5. Interior and Comfort: The front seats are spacious and comfortable, with the option for seat ventilation/AC and seat warmers, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. The automatic dual-zone system works well, and the fit and finish are exceptional. The black nappa leather and suede seat inserts add a touch of luxury. The seats are supportive and comfortable on long trips, with plenty of adjustments including generous fore-aft range and adjustable lumbar/lower-back support. Two memory buttons allow you to easily record your favorite positions, which comes in handy when picking up your car from service. While headroom may be limited for taller individuals, the rear seats are spacious enough for two adults to sit comfortably, with plenty of knee and feet room. The rear trunk is surprisingly spacious and even has an automated way to fold the rear seats. 6. Technology: This car is loaded with technology, too much to list.The car comes with a range of safety technology features, including the On Call system and Xirius radio, which are available for a free trial. Once you've tried them, you'll probably want to keep using them. Did you know that this car also has its own Wi-Fi hotspot? In addition, it has an inductive phone charger, so you can wirelessly charge a compatible phone just by dropping it in. There's also an app called 'Volvo On Call' that you can download to your smartphone, which allows you to perform functions like locking and unlocking doors and starting and stopping the engine. The app also has a navigation map, so you can send an address directly to your vehicle. The XC 40 ride is comfortable, although it can be a little stiff at times. There are several selectable 'Driver Modes', such as Comfort and Eco, although none of these affect the shock absorbers. The noise level is reasonably low, and the handling is responsive. While the XC 40 model is not the most fuel-efficient, with an average of 23 mpg overall, it is still impressive for such a strong engine. However, my biggest concern with the technology is that the tires, which are the most important contact between the car and the road, do not have the ability to provide continuous tire pressure monitoring. I'm not talking about a TPMS that tells you when a tire is low and needs attention, but rather a system that displays the tire pressure in PSI of all tires at all times. Finally, I was disappointed to find only two USB ports. With current-day technology, by the time you use one to charge your non-inductive phone and one for a USB with MP3 music, you no longer have a spare for a dashcam or a secondary person needing to charge a non-inductive phone. In closing, I did miss the small rubber Swedish flag attached to the car's left front flank, which I saw at the Javits Center during a car show but apparently was removed from my production line.
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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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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!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2019 Volvo Xc40 problems:

2019 XC40 T5 owner how reliable is your car and are you still ...
Nov 20, 2020 ... The problems I had with this car was the driving assist detected ghost cars (replaced), thermo sensor malfunctions -- pretty sure a squirrel ...
2019 Volvo XC40 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2019 Volvo XC40? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2019 Volvo XC40 Reliability - Consumer Reports
Aug 22, 2018 ... Owner Reported Trouble Spots · In-car Electronics · Brakes · Exhaust · Engine Major · Steering And Suspension · Electrical Accessories · Noises ...
Volvo XC40 Complaints, Issues And Problems | Volvo XC40 Forum
Volvo XC40 Complaints, Issues And Problems · 1 Second Siren Noise from Rear While Driving · 2019 XC40 T5 Doors Won't UNLOCK! · 2024 xc40 3 weeks old in shop twice ...
2019 Volvo XC40 long-term update: Not as great for my long haul ...
May 18, 2019 ... Speaking of fuel economy, it continues to be a problem. Just like almost every other Volvo Roadshow has tested, our XC40's real-world fuel ...
Hilton Hilpert 2025-05-21
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.
Kelvin Wehner 2025-04-06
I am extremely confident in stating that the SRS airbag warning issue in my Volvo is a serious safety concern that needs to be addressed immediately. Despite having taken my car to the dealership three times, the problem still persists and I am about to make my first car payment on a vehicle that I have barely been able to drive. It is unacceptable that Volvo is not taking ownership of this known issue and providing me with proper recourse. As a proud owner of a Volvo, I expect nothing less than a prompt and satisfactory resolution to this matter.
Reed Swaniawski 2025-04-05
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 the radio and phone system can be slow to respond when I first start the car, taking about 30 seconds to warm up before I can make any changes.
Crawford Roob 2025-03-19
This is my first Volvo and I was so excited for it to arrive after ordering it earlier this year. It's a beautiful car, sporty, and technology-rich. However, I have had some issues with it in the few short months I've owned it. Within a week, I received a notification that the airbag system had failed. Although they replaced the sensor, the same problem came back two weeks later. They had my car for almost a month trying to fix it. Now, a month later, the same sensor has failed, I get notifications about the brake system failing, one tire pressure sensor is faulty, and various interior panels keep popping off. I am currently working with Volvo to get them to buy my car back as part of Michigan's lemon law. It's disappointing, but I am hopeful that we can come to a resolution. Despite these issues, I still appreciate the beauty and technology of the car.
Dallas Murray 2025-02-25
This is my third Volvo and I have been enjoying my ownership of this 2019 model for 1.5 years now. The car is beautifully designed, highly functional, and an absolute joy to drive. The engine is great, with several driving modes to choose from that offer both performance and fuel economy. It is very responsive and provides a smooth driving experience. However, I have had a few issues with the car's quality. I had to replace the rear camera and some moving sunroof parts, which were fortunately covered under warranty. Additionally, I had to pay $600 out of pocket for a rotor replacement job with less than 30K miles on it. Despite these issues, I still love the Volvo brand and look forward to continuing my ownership experience with them.