XC40 (XB40)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
B4204T
2.0L 4-cyl / 247 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
B4204T (MP)
2.0L 4-cyl / 194 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
E400V6
402 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Battery Electric (BEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40
That's below the typical rate for BEVs in this dataset (median 5.5 per year). Battery & propulsion complaints are lower than peer average for this category.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 17 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Sample complaint excerpts
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2025] My car randomly has a battery charging fault. An alert stating “stop safely 12V battery critical charging fault” will just pop up while driving and then put the vehicle in turtle mode. This is an intermittent fault and is likely a false indication. This could cause an accident because it causes the car to slow down. This could happen on a highway.
- [2021] The 12-volt battery has failed on 5 occasions. Each time, I tried to unlock the vehicle after being away from it for a short period (e.g., 5-40 minutes). I had to use the manual key to unlock the vehicle, but the vehicle wouldn't start. I had the vehicle towed 4 times. One time it started on its own. I have taken the vehicle to my Volvo dealership 3 times for this issue. The most recent time this
- [2021] The vehicle is a battery electric that relies on its 12V battery to start and operate. My wife and I were driving the vehicle and began to stop in a let hand turn lane when it shuddered violently and stopped without any ability to move forward or in reverse - an emergency message appeared in the dash display indicating a 12V battery charging fault, and to immediately take the vehicle to a service
Charging System
- [2023] The supplied 240V Level 2 charger has a design defect that causes the J1772 handle to detach from the high voltage supply cable exposing the individual wires to a possible fire condition.
- [2023] The supplied 240V Level 2 charger has a design defect that causes the J1772 handle to detach from the high voltage supply cable exposing the individual wires to a possible fire condition.
- [2021] Very frequently (4-5 times a week) the charging cable will not release from the vehicle. Pushing release button resolves to flashing yellow, red, or green lights, but does not release. Sometimes will release from console, but not always. Locking and unlocking the vehicle, repeating all the above several times will eventually release the cable. This may be related to the erratic charging process wh
Regenerative Braking
- [2024] Brake system failed. I was NOT in one pedal mode. I have up to date software. After break system failed I was unable to put vehicle in park. Parking break could not be applied. Could not turn car off or lock doors. I was driving on interstate when it occurred. I got multiple warnings on display. I was lucky to pull over and not crash.
- [2024] The Infotainment system in this automobile freezes frequently denying access to critical auto controls such as, one pedal EV driving, air conditioning/heating controls and many other controls. I have received a message that the, "Camera is Unavailable" and the screen goes dark. The dealer has attempted to reload the software and update the software multiple times all without any remedy.
- [2024] The Infotainment system in this automobile freezes frequently denying access to critical auto controls such as, one pedal EV driving, air conditioning/heating controls and many other controls. I have received a message that the, "Camera is Unavailable" and the screen goes dark. The dealer has attempted to reload the software and update the software multiple times all without any remedy.
Electric Propulsion
- [2025] My car randomly has a battery charging fault. An alert stating “stop safely 12V battery critical charging fault” will just pop up while driving and then put the vehicle in turtle mode. This is an intermittent fault and is likely a false indication. This could cause an accident because it causes the car to slow down. This could happen on a highway.
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Battery: Polestar / Volvo CMA Platform Pack (78 kWh)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 100k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Volvo XC40 regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "B" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.
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."
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."
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2024 XC40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Central Electronic Module (CEM) software may cause the left rear turn signal indicator to not function.
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 problems?
The 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 has accumulated 454 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Safety Systems, Electrical System, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Volvo XC40 engine is most reliable?
The 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the ?L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 a good used car?
The 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 454 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 have?
The 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 has 454 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Volvo XC40?
Before buying a used Volvo XC40, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Safety Systems, Electrical System, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the XC40?
The 2025 Volvo XC40 received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (16.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 454 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.