RoadVitals

2019 Volvo XC40

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 18V554000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
30
Latest May 18, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Mar 12, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 30 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Volvo XC40, most frequently naming the driver assistance, brakes and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 303 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Driver assistance617.1%
  • Brakes514.3%
  • Engine514.3%
  • Airbags411.4%
  • Seat belts38.6%
  • Body & structure38.6%
  • Fuel system25.7%
  • Electrical25.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V144000

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE:SOFTWARE:PEDESTRIAN/CYCLIST/OBJECT/OBSTACLE/ RECOGNITION

Mar 12, 2020
121,605 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the Active Safety Domain Master (ASDM) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R29998.
Volvo Car USA LLCManufacturer number R29998View on NHTSA.gov
18V800000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Nov 13, 2018
17,548 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.
Volvo Car USA LLCManufacturer number R39917View on NHTSA.gov
18V554000NHTSA advisory: do not drive

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Aug 22, 2018
71 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Volvo has notified owners advising them to stop driving their vehicle. Cars will be inspected on-site or towed to dealers and the brake pedals will be replaced as necessary, free of charge. Volvo began contacting their owners on August 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R59899.
Volvo Car USA LLCManufacturer number R59899View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 30
Body & structure
Filed May 18, 2026

The driver side liftgate strut broke; the liftgate raised normally and when reached the fully opened position it immediately started to close very rapidly, this could have easily hit someone quite hard in the head. The Liftgate was then stuck in a halfway opened position and was unable to close fully. I was able to manually raise the liftgate and when released again slammed down to a halfway open position, and sill could not close the liftgate. I raised it again and propped it open and removed the driver side lift strut and noticed that water had severely infiltrated the strut mechanism and corroded the springs to the point of failure; the spring were broken in many places. There were no warnings or symptoms prior to the failure. I have informed Volvo of the issue but have not yet taken to a dealer for service.

NHTSA ID
11738614
Incident
May 17, 2026
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Feb 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated while at a stop sign or a stop light, the engine revved loudly, and the vehicle suddenly lunged forward out of control. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,600.

NHTSA ID
11720661
Incident
Feb 24, 2026
Mileage
7,600 mi
Brakes
Filed May 21, 2025

The component that failed was the Brake pedal, it was unresponsive while driving on the freeway, it was hard to push and the vehicle would not come to a complete stop. My safety along with my daughter was put at risk due to nearly colliding into several vehicles due to not being able to stop vehicle. I had to tow the vehicle to the nearest shop where it is currently. During the incident the brake light came on. The shop where the vehicle is currently is stating that it appears to have a faulty Brake Vacuum Pump.

NHTSA ID
11662378
Incident
May 18, 2025
Body & structure
Filed May 2, 2025

Under Engine Cover came loose and fall during highway driving. It tuned out that 5 bolts that suppose to secure that cover were missing (per repair shop) . Fallen cover broke on few pieces and those pieces could impact breaking and vehicle instability causing incident with injuries and fatalities.

NHTSA ID
11658493
Incident
Mar 25, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that the gear shifter knob had detached. The contact stated that the knob was not welded to the lever. The contact became aware that crazy glue had been used to secure the shifter knob. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear; and while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter detached. The contact used the button to start the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and confirmed that the gear shifter knob was glued on. The knob was reglued; however, after going through a car wash, the knob detached again. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be held for 24 hours to see if the glue would hold the part in place. The dealer informed the contact that the gear shifter might have to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ID
11623156
Incident
Oct 31, 2024
Mileage
42,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 9, 2024

Diagnostic code failure P0422 Evap system failure had emission testing done recently about two weeks ago . Car was service by Volvo in March 2024 and nonissues . Low mileage on car under 20k This should be recalled as many on online forums are having the same issue . Faulty manufacturing and Volvo should issue recall .

NHTSA ID
11607460
Incident
Aug 9, 2024
Suspension
Filed Aug 7, 2024

Both front coil springs broke with under 30,000 miles on vehicle. No warning, just a thump thump.. broken springs could have punctured the front tires. Repair costly!

NHTSA ID
11607078
Incident
Jun 25, 2024
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed May 6, 2024

Air bag not functioning related to seatbelt failure. Will not tighten on sudden stops.

NHTSA ID
11587293
Incident
Nov 14, 2023

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

33031.6.0

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 1 .jpg attachment - If remote control key is not detected by the car and shows message in DIM "Car key not found" or if functions such as lock/unlock are not working, please follow advice for detecting key

36496.10.0

POWER TRAIN

This is a Technical Journal: Intermittent knocking noise during acceleration. If the sound corresponds to attached sound file, change front drive shafts to the below part numbers.

34521.11.1

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp

35526.1.8

ENGINE

This is a Technical Journal: Text plus 2 PDFs and 1 .PNG Oil Consumption test. Perform the test. Follow service procedure
 Description and Service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.

37809.1.1

This is a TJ text only - The purpose of this TJ is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. This TJ will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval.
 Current items under prior approval are listed in the "Service" section

34521.10.0

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This is a Technical Journal: Headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. If the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Volvo XC40 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025112056.8
2024284065.4
2023424064.0
2022363053.8
2021515056.6
2020111053.9
2019Viewing304056.3
2018010—
2017010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.