2019-2025 Volvo XC40 Reliability Score: 9.2 out of 10

Reliability Score

9.2 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar compact SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 26 powertrain complaints. A typical compact SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 95.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall26 complaints against about 95 for similar vehicles

9.2

Last three years16 complaints against about 71 for similar vehicles

9.3

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year

20199.3
20209.6
20218.9
20229.3
20239.2
2024n/a
2025n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

By engine

2.0L 4-cyl turbo 9.4/10

About 83% fewer owner complaints than the electric, per vehicle built. (16 complaints, about 152,000 built)

electric 7.0/10

About 6 times as many owner complaints as the 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, per vehicle built. (10 complaints, about 20,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

Show

E400V6

402 hp

88 complaints 26.7 per year Electric

View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems

34

other

19

electrical

17

brakes

9

fuel system

8

Same engine used in

POLESTAR Polestar 2 (2021-2025)VOLVO C40 (2022-2025)

B4204T

2.0L 4-cyl / 247 hp

58 complaints 8.2 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems

28

electrical

16

brakes

12

engine

9

transmission

6

Same engine used in

VOLVO V60 (2019-2025)VOLVO S60 (2019-2025)VOLVO XC90 (2016-2025)VOLVO S90 (2017-2025)VOLVO XC60 (2018-2025)VOLVO S60 (2011-2018)

B4204T (MP)

2.0L 4-cyl / 194 hp

55 complaints 11.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems

14

electrical

11

brakes

9

engine

8

other

8

Same engine used in

VOLVO V60 (2019-2025)VOLVO S60 (2019-2025)VOLVO XC90 (2016-2025)VOLVO XC60 (2018-2025)

Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data

These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Volvo XC40 Unidentified Engine

4 complaints 1.3 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires

1

electrical

1

safety systems

1

interior

1

brakes

1

E400V8

248 hp

1 complaint 1.0 per year Electric

View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems

1

Battery & Propulsion Reliability

Battery Electric (BEV)

Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40

Pack option Volvo / Polestar CMA pack (78 kWh, LG cells) Pack option Volvo / Polestar CMA pack (82 kWh, CATL cells)

10 battery-related complaints 2.5 per year 1 battery-related recall

That's below the typical rate for BEVs in this dataset (median 5.7 per year). Battery & propulsion complaints are lower than peer average for this category.

What kind of battery complaint?

Among the 10 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.

Battery & propulsion recalls (1)

21V109000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE

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.

Consequence: A disconnected high voltage system can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Sample complaint excerpts

Regenerative Braking

[2024] Right when I turned the car on, a million different alarms went off saying different systems weren’t available. Then I started driving, and it accelerated normally, but when I took foot off accelerator: it didn’t slow down. This was really noticeable because I had one pedal drive on, which means taking foot off the gas acts as a very light brake. I could slow down with the brake, but then as soon
[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.
[2023] NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus Vehicle: 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge Plus BEV VIN: [[XXX]] Date of Incident: [XXX Approximate Mileage: [26,9333] Location: [[XXX]] – occurred while going downhill Component: Service Brakes, Electric; Parking Brake; Vehicle Speed Control Summary: I experienced complete loss of braking while driving my 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge on a highway.

12V Auxiliary Battery

[2025] Mild hybrid vehicle that was purchased 4/20/2026. Volvo service states incident on 06/10/2026 was caused by vehicle running overnight in enclosed garage. Volvo also states that cause was due to item inserted into drivers seatbelt buckle. No warnings posted regarding this would cause the vehicle to turn on once car was parked and driver door shut and run continuously throughout the night in an encl
[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

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.
[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

Thermal Events

[2025] Mild hybrid vehicle that was purchased 4/20/2026. Volvo service states incident on 06/10/2026 was caused by vehicle running overnight in enclosed garage. Volvo also states that cause was due to item inserted into drivers seatbelt buckle. No warnings posted regarding this would cause the vehicle to turn on once car was parked and driver door shut and run continuously throughout the night in an encl

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: Volvo / Polestar CMA pack (78 kWh, LG cells)

NMC (ratio not published) · LG Energy Solution (cells and modules) · 27 modules, 400-volt class

View full pack reference →

▼ You're looking at: XC40 XC40 Recharge 2021-2023; Recharge Twin only for 2024 (2021-2024)

EPA range 208-293 mi ·MPGe combined 79-106

EPA figures span the trims and model years this entry covers.

About the pack

Capacity

75 kWh

usable · 78 total

Fast charge

155 kW

peak

Warranty floor

70%

capacity floor at 8 yr / 100k mi

Pack overview

ChemistryNMC (ratio not published)

Cell supplierLG Energy Solution (cells and modules)

Cell formatNot published

Voltage (nominal)396 V

CoolingLiquid

Architecture27 modules, 400-volt class

Warranty 8 yr / 100k mi

Capacity floor70%

Known issues

High

NHTSA 21V-110 (February 2021) covers certain 2021-2022 Polestar 2 vehicles. The Battery Energy Control Module's microprocessor may reset and disconnect the high-voltage system. The software is updated by a dealer or over the air, free of charge.

NHTSA recall

High

NHTSA 21V-109 (February 2021) covers 2,278 XC40 Recharge vehicles from 2021-2022. The Battery Energy Control Module's microprocessor may reset and disconnect the high-voltage system. Dealers install a software update free of charge.

NHTSA recall

Low

Two packs share these model names in 2024. Volvo's EPA filing puts this 78 kWh LG pack (75 kWh usable) in the dual-motor Polestar 2 and the XC40 and C40 Recharge Twin, and an 82 kWh CATL pack in the single-motor cars. Polestar lists 155 kW DC charging for this pack against 205 kW for the other.

Manufacturer

Low

The heat pump is optional, in the Polestar 2's Plus Pack from the 2022 model year. Polestar says it helps increase real-world driving range by approximately 10% between 20°F and 77°F.

Manufacturer

Low

Polestar covers the battery and electric motors for 8 years or 100,000 miles. From the 2025 model year it also covers capacity below 70% of original within that term.

OEM warranty

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.

Battery: Volvo / Polestar CMA pack (82 kWh, CATL cells)

NMC (ratio not published) · CATL (cells and modules) · 108 cells in 27 modules, 400-volt class

View full pack reference →

▼ You're looking at: XC40 XC40 Recharge single motor (2024); EX40 (2025) (2024-2025)

EPA range 254-293 mi ·MPGe combined 98-106

EPA figures span the trims and model years this entry covers.

About the pack

Capacity

79 kWh

usable · 82 total

Fast charge

205 kW

peak · about 28 min to 80%

Warranty floor

70%

capacity floor at 8 yr / 100k mi

Pack overview

ChemistryNMC (ratio not published)

Cell supplierCATL (cells and modules)

Cell formatNot published

Voltage (nominal)404 V

CoolingLiquid

Architecture108 cells in 27 modules, 400-volt class

Warranty 8 yr / 100k mi

Capacity floor70%

Known issues

Low

Volvo's EPA filings name CATL for this pack: 82 kWh nominal, 79 kWh usable, 404 volts. It arrived for 2024 in the single-motor Polestar 2, XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, and Polestar lists 205 kW DC charging for it against 155 kW for the 78 kWh pack.

Manufacturer

Low

The heat pump is optional, in the Polestar 2's Plus Pack from the 2022 model year. Polestar says it helps increase real-world driving range by approximately 10% between 20°F and 77°F.

Manufacturer

Low

Polestar covers the battery and electric motors for 8 years or 100,000 miles. From the 2025 model year it also covers capacity below 70% of original within that term.

OEM warranty

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.

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Volvo XC40, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Safety Systems: 78 owner complaints

Electrical System: 45 owner complaints

Brakes: 31 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2019-2025 Volvo XC40

On a used 2019-2025 Volvo XC40, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (78), the electrical system (45) and the brakes (31). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 78 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 about the electrical system.
On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 about the brakes.
Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 3 owner complaints on the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 about the wheels and tires.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40

Recalls (13)

25V908000Dec 23, 2025serious

Back Over Prevention

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."

25V392000Jun 12, 2025serious

Service Brakes

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.

25V282000May 8, 2025serious

Back Over Prevention

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."

24V010000Jan 10, 2024serious

Electrical System

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.

23V188000Mar 22, 2023serious

Electrical System

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be falsely detected for the emergency call system (e-call) and display "e-Call Service Required" in the driver information module (DIM).

Show 8 older recalls

23V012000Jan 19, 2023serious

Service Brakes

Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 S60, V60, V60CC, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, and C40 vehicles. A diagnostic error in the Brake Control Module 2 (BCM2) may cause a loss of Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control.

21V881000Nov 12, 2021serious

Structure

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.

21V682000Sep 1, 2021serious

Seat Belts

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."

21V109000Feb 24, 2021serious

Electrical System

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.

20V144000Mar 12, 2020serious

Forward Collision Avoidance

Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo Cars) is recalling certain 2019-2020 S60, V60, V60 Cross Country, S90L, V90, V90 Cross Country, XC40, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the Automatic Emergency Brake (AEB) system may not detect obstacles and engage as intended.

18V800000Nov 13, 2018serious

Electrical System

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.

18V554000Aug 22, 2018serious

Service Brakes

Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The brake pedals may not have been correctly riveted, allowing the pedal to move out of position, possibly reducing braking performance.

18V535000Aug 15, 2018serious

Seats

Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The rear seats may not have rear seat back lock strikers, allowing the seat back to move forward during certain hard braking conditions or a crash.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (16.4% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (16.4% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (15.5% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (16.4% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (15.5% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (16.4% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

—

Rollover

4/5 (16.4% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (15.5% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (16.4% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (15.5% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (16.4% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Compact SUV

6 engines / 1,695 complaints

3 engines / 217 complaints

3 engines / 153 complaints

3 engines / 148 complaints

3 engines / 1,278 complaints

4 engines / 114 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 complaints?

Owners have filed 206 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the brakes.

Is the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 206 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 have?

NHTSA has 206 owner complaints on file for the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2019-2025 Volvo XC40?

NHTSA lists 13 recalls covering some 2019-2025 Volvo XC40 vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Volvo XC40?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 206 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.