2021 Volvo Xc40 Problems

Above Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Volvo Xc40.

20202022
Complaints
77
Crashes
6
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Fatalities
Recalls
5

Worst 2021 Volvo Xc40 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#113 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:29,475 mi
#29 complaints

Fuel System

Crash-related:1
#35 complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking

Crash-related:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Volvo Xc40.

Electrical Faults
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
29,475
Fuel System
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Transmission / Drivetrain
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine Problems
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Assist
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Warning
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Automatic System Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Back Over Prevention: Warnings
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Volvo Xc40. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2021 Volvo Xc40

5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~847,733 vehicles.

25V908000Back Over Prevention:software
~413,151 affected

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."

25V282000Back Over Prevention:software
~413,151 affected

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."

21V881000Structure:frame And Members · Engine
~4 affected

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.

21V682000Seat Belts:rear/other:retractor · Seat Belts:front:retractor · Seat Belts
~19,149 affected

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."

21V109000Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery:management System/energy Control Module (bms/becm):software
~2,278 affected

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.

Other Volvo Xc40 Years

2021 Volvo Xc40 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2021 Volvo Xc40 reliable?
Verdict: Above Average Complaints. The 2021 Volvo Xc40 has 77 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash-related, and 5 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 13 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2021 Volvo Xc40?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (13 complaints, avg 29,475 mi); Fuel System (9 complaints); Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking (5 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Volvo Xc40?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 29,475 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2021 Volvo Xc40?
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Volvo Xc40 include 6 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2021 Volvo Xc40 have any recalls?
Yes — 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 847,733 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2021 Volvo Xc40?
Slightly worse than average. Most owners are fine; problem clusters are concentrated around specific components. Check the issues table below and match against the specific car's mileage.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Volvo Xc40 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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