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 | 11 |
| 2021 | 51 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
20% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH10% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 5 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Car can move forward automatically itself from stop position
NHTSA ODI report, 20240721
10% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY 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 visibility/wiper issues (5 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.