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    Volvo XC40

    EPA MPG: 26 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2021 XC40 is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2021 Volvo XC40 has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Volvo XC40 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Backup or other camera/sensors

    ""The backup technology seems really outdated. My last 2 vehicles and other vehicles I've been in have better systems that include horizontal lines and the red distance indicator. This vehicle doesn't have those features and shuts off if it gets overwhelmed, such as when I'm backing into my garage spot. It's pretty much useless, forcing me to use the 360 camera instead.""

    Anonymous, IL (2021 Volvo XC40 T5 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Display screen goes blank

    ""often, the display does not come on from 1 to 15 minutes, esp. after driving is begun""

    Anonymous, MA (2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "Too often the navigation system doesnt turn on when the car starts. somerimes it means driving with blank dashboard screens"

    Anonymous, MA (2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "Some times it won't connect. I have to go to bluetooth on my phone to connect. This seems to happen about 30% of the time. Most of the time it works ok."

    Anonymous A., TN (2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Electric)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Body control module

    ""Started 10/2024, unlonks and locks when it feels like it, teied resetting control module but didnt work, both keyfobs react same way, side mirrors, usb port all intermittently fail or reset""

    Anonymous, FL (2021 Volvo XC40 T5 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Keyless entry

    "Key fob failed intermittently. It was replaced."

    Anonymous, TN (2021 Volvo XC40 T6 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "The compressors to open and close the trunk failed on one side, so my trunk wouldn't close. It cost me $1200 to fix it."

    Anonymous, NH (2021 Volvo XC40 T5 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2021 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Volvo vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    BACK OVER PREVENTION
    May 08, 2025
    A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
    What should you do:
    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. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10320.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V282000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 413151
    VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
    Apr 28, 2022
    A corroded APS circuit may send corrupted signals, causing unintended acceleration, a lack of acceleration, or a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2022 XC40 BEV vehicles. Water may enter the cable harness, corroding the accelerator pedal sensor (APS) circuit.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect for corrosion, install a cable splice to prevent water intrusion and, as necessary, replace the connector terminal and APS, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Volvo Car at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10170.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V288000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 5351
    ENGINE, STRUCTURE
    Nov 12, 2021
    A loose or missing bolt may decrease the structural protection of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V881000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 4
    SEAT BELTS
    Sep 01, 2021
    An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V682000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 19149
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Feb 24, 2021
    A disconnected high voltage system can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V109000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 2278
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