2020 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.
Social links
Common 2020 Volvo Xc40 problems
The 2020 Volvo XC40 has been praised for its safety features and overall reliability
. However, some common problems have been reported by owners, which are detailed below.
- Brake problems: The XC40 has been recalled twice due to brake issues. Some drivers have reported that the brakes do not work properly or at all. A few owners complained that the XC40 needed three brake pad replacements by the time vehicles have driven about 30000 miles. Even after that, the vehicles' excessive warping required another brake pad replacement for every wheel .
- Power loss: High-voltage disconnect causes power loss. This can cause the engine to suddenly stop or not start. Possible solutions include checking the battery and the electrical system for any faults. If the power loss occurs while driving, try to pull over safely and restart the engine .
- Water leaks: Water leaks cause accelerator problems. Water can get into the gas pedal and cause it to stick or malfunction. Possible solutions include checking the floor mats and carpets for any signs of water damage. If the accelerator gets stuck, try to lift it with your foot or turn off the cruise control .
- Driving assistance issues: Pilot assist turns off without warning. This can create a safety hazard, especially at high speeds. Possible solutions include checking the windshield and the camera for any dirt or obstructions. If the pilot assist turns off, take over the steering and braking manually .
- GPS problem: GPS location is not sent in case of a crash. This can make it harder for emergency services or tow trucks to find you. Possible solutions include checking the settings and the network connection of your Volvo On Call app. If you are involved in a crash, try to call 911 or use the SOS button in your car. Contact the dealer or Volvo customer service for assistance .
- Seatbelt malfunction: Several 2020 XC40 owners expressed dissatisfaction over the driver's side seatbelt's malfunction and crash mode. The front passenger was thus nearly suffocated by the seatbelt as it tightened. The owners expressed their worry about the issue and said it might result in a serious collision .
In addition to these specific issues, some owners have reported problems with the wireless charging pad, tailgate release and rear camera, tailgate drain hole rusting, fragile key fob, sport key sustainability, app subscription expiration, lava orange getting dirty, exterior chrome worse for wear, cargo cover cords, and suspension clunking noises
. These issues, while not as widespread as the ones mentioned above, can still affect the overall ownership experience.
It is important to note that not all 2020 Volvo XC40 owners have experienced these problems, and many have reported having positive experiences with the vehicle. However, being aware of these common issues can help potential buyers make informed decisions and take necessary precautions when purchasing or maintaining their XC40s.
Is the 2020 Volvo XC40 reliable?
The 2020 Volvo XC40 has a predicted reliability score of 71 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 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.
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.
Is the 2020 Volvo XC40 reliable?
The 2020 Volvo XC40 has a predicted reliability score of 71 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 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 expensive to repair?
The average annual repair cost for a Volvo is $769, which means it has above average ownership costs.
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.
2020 Volvo Xc40 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Volvo Xc40.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2020 Volvo Xc40 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2020 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.
Negative 2020 Volvo Xc40 car reviews
Positive 2020 Volvo Xc40 car reviews
-
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!
-
(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 a handy 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 even has a navigation map that lets you send addresses directly to your vehicle. The XC 40 is a comfortable ride, 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's 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 today's 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. One small thing I missed was 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 was apparently removed from my production line.
-
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.
-
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your first Volvo! The car sounds amazing, especially with features like the adaptive cruise control, auto high beam headlights, and heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof with a self-closing shade is a great touch, and I'm happy to hear that the layout of the controls is intuitive. It's also great to hear that the car is easy to maneuver with a tight turning radius, and the back storage is brilliant with easy ability to subdivide to keep things from rolling around. The different driving modes sound like a great feature, and it's impressive that you're getting better than the EPA gas mileage. And of course, the built-in trash can is a fantastic addition that every car should have! Thank you for sharing your positive experience with us.
-
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!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Volvo Xc40 problems:
Buying a Xc40 2020 - Volvo XC40 Forums
Hi, first time of buying a volvo, I have been doing some research about common faults and I've read the following common faults on the 2020 - 21 models.
2020 Volvo XC40 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 Volvo XC40? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Volvo reliability on an XC40 : r/Volvo
Apr 16, 2023 ... Generally very reliable. You do hear the odd story of what seems to be an 'unlucky' owner, but I'm a main dealer Tech and we see very few issues ...
I hate this car | Volvo XC40 Forum
Oct 7, 2020 ... I have had my XC 40 since December, 2019. There have been recalls and problems but my general impression is a poorly made car when I had ...
2020 Volvo XC40 Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Electrical Accessories · In-car Electronics · Engine Major · Drive System · Brakes · Steering And Suspension · Climate System.
Other years of Volvo Xc40
Are you having problems with your 2020 Volvo Xc40?
Dillan Dooley 2025-09-07
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.
Ubaldo McCullough 2025-08-17
While driving my XC 40, I absolutely love this car! Unfortunately, the entire system shut down on me. I took it in and was told it was a software issue, which was promptly fixed. However, to my surprise, the car shut down again a month later, this time causing the engine to shut down and restart. It's currently at the dealer now for 2 weeks. I'm starting to regret not leasing it.
Montana Funk 2025-07-23
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.
Leonel Koss 2025-07-22
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.
Sammy Ullrich 2025-05-25
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.