2021 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 2021 Volvo Xc40 problems
The 2021 Volvo XC40 has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to electrical and software glitches.
In addition to electrical issues, the 2021 Volvo XC40 has also been reported to have problems with its visibility. Some owners have experienced unexpected cracking of the windshield, which can be dangerous and potentially cause accidents
. This issue is particularly concerning, as it can compromise the driver's ability to see the road and react to potential hazards.
The brake system in the 2021 Volvo XC40 has also been reported to have problems. Some owners have experienced phantom braking, where the automatic brake system engages unnecessarily
. This can be startling for drivers and potentially cause accidents if the driver is not prepared for the sudden braking.
These issues can be particularly concerning for owners, as they can impact the safety and reliability of the vehicle. If you are experiencing similar issues with your 2021 Volvo XC40, it is important to seek legal assistance to understand your rights and options. Lemon laws and relevant federal law may protect you, and you may be entitled to reimbursement, a new vehicle, or compensation if your vehicle is deemed a lemon
. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
What is the most common problem with Volvo XC40?
Owners have reported a satisfactory level of reliability, mentioning only a few significant mechanical issues. However, there have been minor electronic glitches, particularly with the infotainment system and electronic driver aids.
How reliable is the Volvo XC40 2021?
The 2021 Volvo XC40 has a predicted reliability score of 76 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.
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.
Does 2021 Volvo XC40 require premium gas?
Volvo recommends that premium, 91 unleaded octane or higher for the best performance. However, your Volvo XC40 can run on regular 87 unleaded octane without affecting the engine reliability. It is also safe to use fuel containing up to 10-percent Ethanol in your XC40.
What are the common problems of 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.
What is the reliability score of the 2021 Volvo XC40?
The 2021 Volvo XC40 has a predicted reliability score of 76 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.
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.
Which engine is the best in an XC40?
On paper, the most economical XC40 is the diesel 2.0 D3, with an official combined 47.1mpg. The more powerful D4 gets close, with 44.1mpg. The most efficient petrol is the 40.4mpg T3, while the T4 (35.3mpg) and T5 (34.0mpg) petrols are the thirstiest.
2021 Volvo Xc40 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Volvo Xc40.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2021 Volvo Xc40 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2021 Volvo Xc40.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Car USA, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE
- Summary: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2022 XC40 Recharge vehicles. The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) microprocessor may reset and cause the high voltage system to disconnect.
- Consequence: A disconnected high voltage system can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10078.
Negative 2021 Volvo Xc40 car reviews
Positive 2021 Volvo Xc40 car reviews
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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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We purchased our 2019 Volvo XC40 through Volvo's overseas delivery program, which we highly recommend exploring. During our 3000-mile trip in Sweden and Norway, the car functioned perfectly with no problems. The car is very responsive and reasonably quiet, and the interior appointments are luxurious. We especially appreciated the little touches, such as the bag hook on the glove box, the many cubbies, the drawer under the driver's seat, and the trash basket in the center armrest. While the storage behind the back seat is smaller than in our previous Subaru, it is still very adequate and the configuration in our model is perfect. Volvo's site has several configuration options that you should check out. We achieved over 30 miles to the gallon (US) of gas, which was great. The seats are very comfortable both front and back, and the computer is similar to the one in Tesla in terms of the screen and computer-like operation style. Once we adjusted, we became more comfortable with it. The car has numerous safety features, including parking assist, highway driving assistant, and a 360-degree camera, which are all excellent. Overall, we are extremely pleased with the car, and it is certainly a major upgrade from our Subaru, which we also enjoyed.
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The engine and transmission deliver an extremely powerful performance, while the handling is reasonable. The ride is excellent for its size and the seats are comfortable for a 2-hour trip. We did not have the opportunity to take longer jaunts. The car has great mileage, but it requires premium gas. It's worth noting that there is no 87 octane gasoline in Europe, and although the computer will allow the engine to work with low-quality gas, it will not be as efficient or powerful as with the recommended gas. One area that could be improved is the outward visibility, as the car seems to have blind spots.
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Beautiful car and nice ride. It's been two weeks and I find it very comfortable.
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This is my 3rd Volvo. Although the seats are not as comfortable as those in my older XC60, they are still better than any other car I've been in. I do wish that CarPlay was full screen, but the Pilot assist functionality is fantastic. It does require holding the wheel while in use, but I understand why. I really like the rather peppy T5. The visibility out of the rear side/doors is not great, but BLIS makes it less of an issue.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Volvo Xc40 problems:
XC40 owners, what are your biggest complaints about the vehicle ...
Apr 26, 2022 ... pressing the gear shifter twice to change from P to D or R · thirsty (12L/100km) · my model not having the 360 camera, sunroof or adaptive cruise ...
Has anyone NOT had issues with the recharge? | Volvo XC40 Forum
Nov 7, 2021 ... I just had to reset the system for the phone app to work properly. 2021 XC40 Recharge Software 2.11. Like.
2021 Volvo XC40 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2021 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 XC40 Complaints, Issues And Problems | Volvo XC40 Forum
1 Second Siren Noise from Rear While Driving · 2019 XC40 T5 Doors Won't UNLOCK! · 2024 xc40 3 weeks old in shop twice for cel · 2021 Xc40 T5R With Serious Safety ...
2021 Volvo XC40 Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · In-car Electronics · Paint And Trim · Engine Major · Climate System · Drive System · Brakes · Steering And Suspension · Engine ...
Other years of Volvo Xc40
Are you having problems with your 2021 Volvo Xc40?
Dudley Grimes 2025-03-25
I've owned this car for two years now and unfortunately, it has been in the shop at least eight times. Recently, we had to rent a car for two weeks to keep our vacation reservations due to a 'propulsion system failure' that limited the car's speed to only 22 miles per hour. Despite our disappointment, we have not received any satisfactory response from Volvo. They simply told us that the car is now working, without addressing the root of the problem. Even after towing the car to the dealership, no one took the time to inspect it. As a result, we feel completely let down. This was our third Volvo purchase, but we will not be making another one in the future.
Branson Farrell 2025-03-21
Hi there! I recently purchased a Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design and unfortunately, I've had a bit of trouble with my windshield. In just six weeks, I've had three pebbles/stones hit my windshield, even though I was only traveling at 35 mph on paved roads. I never drive on gravel roads, so I was quite surprised. The second incident occurred while I was waiting for over 30 days for a windshield replacement. The first two hits caused cracks across the entire windshield, and now I have a third smaller one on the replacement. I did some research and found other owners online with similar problems. I reached out to Volvo USA to see if there was something wrong with either the production of the glass, installation, or the aerodynamics of the vehicle. Unfortunately, I was disappointed that the dealership was hands off and shocked to receive push back from Volvo USA. They claimed it was normal wear and tear and there was nothing they could do for me. The cost to replace the windshield is $1770 because cameras and sensors also have to be replaced and calibrated. I am waiting to hear how much the insurance company will pay for this claim. I won't hold my breath that I will receive much of the $675 in labor fees. I think it would be great if Volvo offered a one year glass protection plan where they do repairs for free. This would enable them to evaluate the issue and show that they stand behind their product. Unfortunately, they have treated me like a crazy person attempting to get something for nothing, which is not the case at all. It's been an expensive seven months of Volvo new car ownership, especially with the $375 repair fee for the wheels. I plan to sell and cut my losses, but I hope that Volvo can improve their customer service in the future.
Hassan Mills 2025-03-01
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 drive is smooth overall. 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. 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. UPDATE - 11/22/2020 - It's been 11 months since I bought the XC40. I still love the smooth drive of the vehicle. The mpg in the city is now about 21.5. Although only having the temperature/AC/heat settings available through the touchscreen is inconvenient, the XC40 is still a great 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.
Kane Schuster 2025-02-04
I've had a few issues with my car in the past 18 months. During rain, there was a rumbling noise from the sunroof that my local dealership initially dismissed. However, after some persistence, they checked it out and fixed it according to what I had read online. I've also noticed a pull to the right and a vibration while braking, but unfortunately, the dealership couldn't diagnose the issue for a few weeks. Additionally, I've had trouble with a driving light and the tailgate not always opening consistently. While these issues are frustrating, I understand that sometimes things can go wrong with any car. I do wish that the dealership could have been more accommodating with scheduling appointments and providing updates, especially considering the price of the car and the warranty I purchased. One thing I do find inconvenient is that the temperature/AC/heat settings are only available through the touchscreen, which can be a distraction while driving.The Heat/AC fan makes noise even on the slowest setting, which can be a bit distracting. The push button controls for window defrost work fast, but unfortunately, they don't allow for minor adjustments without using the touchscreen, which can be inconvenient while driving. Additionally, the raise/lower speed buttons on the steering wheel change cruise control speed in increments of 5 mph, which can be frustrating if you need to make small adjustments. Lastly, the wiper washer system could be improved as the washer fluid tends to go onto the blade instead of spraying on the window, resulting in uneven distribution.
Adolph Baumbach 2024-11-12
Although I am not fond of writing negative reviews, I must express my disappointment with this car. I regret not keeping my Honda CRV Touring instead. The heating and cooling controls are confusing, despite reading the owner's manual to set my preferences. Additionally, the car uses premium gas, which I was not aware of prior to leasing, and it has a smaller capacity than my CRV. Furthermore, I will never again get a car without a retractable trunk cover. The hardcover in my Volvo is impractical and uncomfortable to touch. However, the car is aesthetically pleasing, has a good sound system, and drives well. Nonetheless, I preferred driving my CRV. I am taking the car in next week to repair a recall issue and to check for a potential leak near the front of the car. It is unfortunate as I have driven the car for less than 8,000 miles.