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.

2021 Volvo XC40

○ Not enough data

2021 Volvo XC40
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:43:57.206Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 52
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2021: 52 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2017	0
2018	0
2019	30
2020	12
2021	52
2022	37
2023	48
2024	28
2025	11

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

27% · 14 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

19% · 10 reports

CRASH

Forward collision avoidance

15% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

CRASH

Show 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, 2021-08-04

Back over prevention

15% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing camera and rearview system braking.

INJURY

Show 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, 2025-07-03

Also filed under Service brakes

Visibility/wiper

10% · 5 reports

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2021-03-30Electrical system21V109000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-10-12Seat belts21V682000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-12-16Engine, structure21V881000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2025-06-27Back over prevention25V282000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2026-03-02Back over prevention25V908000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Volvo XC40 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
Fuel/propulsion system: 10 reports on file for this year.
Forward collision avoidance: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 21V109000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V682000 · Seat belts
Recall 21V881000 · Engine, structure
Recall 25V282000 · Back over prevention
Recall 25V908000 · Back over prevention

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.