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.
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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
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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 takes turns well. I feel that this vehicle meets its goal very well and I'm very pleased with my purchase!
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Volvo really thought of everything for this car! Ladies, are you tired of your purse flying around on the passenger's side while you drive? No worries, there's a hook for that, and more shopping bag hooks in the cargo area to keep bags from rolling around with their contents. The car is nearly silent on your average road, with just the slight hum of acceleration. There is remarkably little wind or road noise, even on the bumpiest, loudest roads. In fact, people I talk to on the phone joke that they know exactly when I'm maneuvering the car because they can hear things that are normally hidden by the white noise of the engine and road. We found the infotainment system to be very logically designed, functioning very similarly to a smartphone. In fact, the settings quick access buttons on the touchscreen feel very reminiscent of the android pull-down settings menu. After a week, using it feels very natural. My one gripe is that I wish the 360 camera were easier to access quickly. It will appear automatically when it senses I'm parking between two cars, but when I'm pulling into my very tight garage or straight into a parking spot, I have to manually pull it up. Not a big deal -- it just takes 2 seconds, but hopefully there will be a shortcut option on future iterations. Auto-park is wonderfully helpful for tight spaces. The upgraded sound system is excellent -- coming from an audiophile. The self-driving features are wonderful for the highway and really serve to reduce fatigue by keeping you in the lane and following the car in front of you at a given distance. We really enjoy the highly customizable driver profiles that can both be programmed to a specific key and overridden through the settings menu. One thing that I found slightly annoying in city traffic was that by default, the auto parking brake enabled at every full stop. This results in a bit of a I disabled the feature and it doesn't bother me anymore. However, I can definitely see how this feature would be useful for hilly areas where you don't want to roll forward or backwards if you lighten up on the brakes. The back seat has more room than any other car in this class that we test drove. It feels more like a mid-sized SUV in terms of space and seat elevation. After reading a ton of reviews online, I have to say that most reviewers' gripes about this car are really non-issues in the long-run. We specifically looked out for all of the things that were identified as possible cons and haven't actually been able to identify many of them as real cons since we've been driving the car regularly. In conclusion, it's a really solid, well-designed car that's a lot of fun to drive and handle.
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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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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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I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your XC40 2020! It sounds like it has some great features, such as good power and torque, and a comfortable interior with plenty of headroom. It's also great to hear that it handles well in winter conditions with the Gislaved NORD*FROST tires. Overall, it seems like a practical and reliable car for both short and long trips, especially for two people with dogs or kids in the back. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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?
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.
Derick Nienow 2025-05-07
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.