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2021 Volvo XC40 recalls & problems

The 2021 Volvo XC40 has 5 safety recalls and 52 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (14 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls
Complaints52filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2021 Volvo XC40 in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Back over preventionDec 23, 2025

Software

Recall 25V908000413,151 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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. 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."
Risk
A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10333. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 16, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recall number 25V282. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V282 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Back over preventionMay 8, 2025

Software

Recall 25V282000413,151 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
EngineNov 12, 2021

Engine

Recall 21V8810004 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A loose or missing bolt may decrease the structural protection of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
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.

Components: Engine; Structure › Frame and members

Seat beltsSep 1, 2021

Rear/other › Retractor

Recall 21V68200019,149 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
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.

Components: Seat belts › Rear/other › Retractor; Seat belts › Front › Retractor; Seat belts

Electrical systemFeb 24, 2021

Propulsion system › Traction battery › Management system/energy control module (bms/becm) › Software

Recall 21V1090002,278 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A disconnected high voltage system can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge SUV AWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge SUV FWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No

2021 Volvo XC40 T4 SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crashNot Rated
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.4%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No

2021 Volvo XC40 T4 SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk15.5%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No

2021 Volvo XC40 T5 SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.4%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: No

2021 Volvo XC40 NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2021 Volvo XC40 NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

XC40 FWD

26mpg combined
City / highway23 / 32 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

XC40 AWD

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 30 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,300/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical system14000—
Fuel/propulsion system10100—
Back over preventionRearview system braking; Sensing system › Camera8001—
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Adaptive cruise control8200—
Unknown or other7000—
Vehicle speed control5201—
Visibility/wiper5000—
Power train5100—
Lane departureAssist; Warning5000—
Service brakes4001—
Engine3000—
StructureBody; Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments3000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.