2021 Volvo XC40
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 51 |
| 2022 | 37 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
27% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
20% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH16% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
On 8/3/21 I had an accident in my brand new 2021 xc40. I lightly tapped on the accelerator to close in a gap as I came to a stop at a red light. The vehicle jumped forward as though I floored the accelerator, though again, it was a slight tap.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210804
16% of complaints: back over prevention — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing camera and rearview system braking.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
On July 1st 2025, while slowly reversing out of my driveway at approximately 3â4 mph, the vehicleâs collision detection system errantly detected an imminent collision.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250703
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
10% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 21V109000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 21V682000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 21V881000 — check if this car was fixed
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles.
Remedy: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552.
Campaign 25V282000 — check if this car was fixed
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles.
Remedy: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Carâs customer service at 1-800-458-1552.
Campaign 25V908000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Volvo XC40 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V109000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V682000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V881000 (engine, structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V282000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V908000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2021 Volvo XC40 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volvo XC40?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo XC40 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.