2021 Volvo Xc40 problems

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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.

2021 Volvo Xc40

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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.

2021 Volvo Xc40 engine

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.

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.
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.
2021-02-24
  • 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

  1. 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.

  2. Darren Kovacek 2024-06-20

    The infotainment system, navigation, and weather app have room for improvement. Safety features could also benefit from further development. The petrol version's fuel economy is not as efficient as expected. Comfort and visibility are average. Overall, there is potential for improvement in various areas. However, I will be returning to BMW once my lease is up.

  3. Kiel Collins 2024-06-16

    The car is quite heavy and can feel like driving a tank, which may not be enjoyable for some. It does use a fair amount of gas and unfortunately, the Apple Play feature stopped working after only a month. It may not be worth spending extra money on navigation as it requires a postal address for most locations. The air-conditioning can be a bit too warm, even for those who tend to run cold, but the interior is comfortable. Overall, I have some concerns about the chassis and other features, and I am considering switching to a Mazda CX-5. I wonder if that would be a better fit for me.

  4. Granville Bruen 2024-06-07

    Well made, drives well, and is very peppy with great steering. It's also easy to park, making it a great city car. However, I did find that the seats in the Inscription model were only comfortable for less than an hour. Additionally, there was a noticeable vibration between 78-85 km per hour.

  5. Friedrich Fadel 2024-02-10

    We purchased this vehicle brand new. Unfortunately, within a few months or a year, while still under warranty, the vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. After investigating, we discovered that someone had mistakenly put diesel gas inside the high octane or 93 gasoline tank. It's important to note that there were no diesel options available at nearby gas stations, and even if there were, it wouldn't fit correctly inside a high premium gasoline vehicle. To cover their expenses, Volvo did not cover such findings and requested payment in cash only to ensure they were safe to cover their expenses. Overall, as long-time Volvo owners of 17 years, this pandemic has negatively impacted their reputation, and we would not recommend purchasing a new car anymore.

Positive 2021 Volvo Xc40 car reviews

  1. Constantin Greenholt 2025-01-11

    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.

  2. Eleazar Kautzer 2024-11-12

    Beautiful car and nice ride. It's been two weeks and I find it very comfortable.

  3. Jayme Jacobi 2024-10-10

    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.

  4. Modesto Rath 2024-09-15

    Volvo has done an amazing job with this SUV!

  5. Keon Legros 2024-09-01

    Great car! I'm so happy with it. If I had to suggest an improvement, I would say adding leather seats would make it even better. Overall, I'm very satisfied.

Leave your review of 2021 Volvo Xc40

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Volvo Xc40 problems:

XC40 owners, what are your biggest complaints about the vehicle ...
XC40 owners, what are your biggest complaints about the vehicle ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/XC40/comments/ucj0gc/xc40_owners_what_are_your_biggest_complaints/

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
Has anyone NOT had issues with the recharge? | Volvo XC40 Forum
https://www.xc40forum.com/threads/has-anyone-not-had-issues-with-the-recharge.3433/

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
2021 Volvo XC40 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/volvo/xc40/2021/common-problems/

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
Volvo XC40 Complaints, Issues And Problems | Volvo XC40 Forum
https://www.xc40forum.com/forums/volvo-xc40-complaints-issues-and-problems.143/

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
2021 Volvo XC40 Reliability - Consumer Reports
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/volvo/xc40/2021/reliability/

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

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Xc40 2022
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Xc40 2024
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Xc40 2021
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2021 Volvo Xc40 photo