NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera image may not appear on the display when you put the vehicle in reverse, affecting your ability to see behind the vehicle.
What the fix does
This page covers 8 recalls, 49 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Volvo Xc40.
25–26 mpg combined
9–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2021 XC40 complaint set clusters around three areas: back-over prevention (the rear automatic braking system), the fuel and propulsion system, and general electrical issues. On the propulsion side, owners describe a range of problems including unexpected stalling while driving, complete loss of power that leaves the vehicle unable to move, and unintended engine revving while parked, sometimes recurring after dealer visits without a clear root cause identified. The back-over prevention complaints center on unintended braking or acceleration at low speeds during parking maneuvers. Electrical complaints are broader, with owners reporting failures across multiple systems at once, cruise control dropping out, infotainment and Apple CarPlay disconnecting, and widespread electrical malfunctions that owners trace back to software behavior rather than any single component.
49
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Volvo XC40 has 8 recalls, the most serious affecting Recharge electric models: water can enter the accelerator pedal wiring and cause sudden unintended acceleration or a complete loss of drive power, either of which raises the risk of a crash.
Two of those recalls are specific to the XC40 Recharge. Beyond the accelerator issue, a microprocessor in the battery management system can reset and cut off the high-voltage system entirely, leaving the driver without propulsion. On the structural side, also limited to the electric variant, a bolt securing the electric motor's cross-member bracket in the engine compartment may be loose or missing, reducing crash protection. The rearview camera can fail to display an image when shifting into reverse due to a software fault; prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for some vehicles, and a follow-up fix is required. There is also a seat belt concern: the automatic locking retractors in the rear can deactivate too early, preventing a child safety seat from staying properly secured during a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera image may not appear on the display when you put the vehicle in reverse, affecting your ability to see behind the vehicle.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
A software update will be installed at a dealer or delivered wirelessly at no cost to restore the rearview camera display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Volvo will send a wireless software update to your vehicle, or you can visit a Volvo dealership to have it installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera image may not display on the screen when you put the vehicle in reverse, reducing rear visibility.
What the fix does
A software update will be installed at a Volvo dealer or wirelessly, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying when you shift into reverse.
What the fix does
Volvo will send a wireless software update to your vehicle or you can schedule a dealership appointment for the update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the accelerator pedal wire harness, causing the pedal to malfunction or preventing the vehicle from starting.
What the fix does
Volvo adds a cable splice to the accelerator pedal wiring at a dealership to prevent water intrusion.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A bolt securing the cross-member bracket for the electrical motor in the engine compartment may be loose or missing.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the cross-member bracket and install new bolts at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt automatic locking retractor may stop working too early, preventing child car seats from being secured properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Battery Energy Control Module microprocessor may reset, causing the high voltage system to disconnect unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a software update to the Battery Energy Control Module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
