2021 Volvo XC40 Owner Complaints

I own a 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge (pure electric). At 49,030 miles, while slowly driving in a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly began shuddering and jerking as if driving over rumble strips. A warning message appeared stating “Propulsion System Failure” and indicated the vehicle would reduce speed. The vehicle lost propulsion and came to a stop. After stopping, the vehicle would not re-enter Drive or Reverse and could not be driven. It was stuck in position in the parking lot but not in a parking space. The instrument cluster and infotainment systems still powered on, but the vehicle repeatedly displayed messages such as “Vehicle system check. Wait” and would not enter a ready-to-drive state. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership with a dolly. It took 4 hours to move it because the first tow truck could not safely move it with the wheels stuck in place. This failure occurred without prior mechanical warning or other preceding symptoms. Dealer diagnosis identified an internal failure of the front axle inverter high-voltage assembly (IHFA). Service records document a 400A fuse failure, welded battery disconnect unit (BDU) contactor relays (R1 and R2), and overheating/damage to high-voltage battery disconnect components. Repair required replacement of the IHFA, BDU contactors, and high-voltage fuse. The dealership stated this was not a normal wear-and-tear issue. I have since found reports from other Volvo Recharge owners describing similar propulsion failures involving inverter and high-voltage battery disconnect components. My safety concern is the sudden loss of propulsion while the vehicle was in motion, with no warning and complete vehicle immobilization. Had this occurred at highway speed or in traffic, it could have created a serious collision hazard. The dealership service person agreed that my only chance to get the vehicle to a safe location was to coast. After that, it'd be stuck. I was unaware of this, which is itself an issue of concern.

NHTSA ID

11748171

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that the liftgate was consistently making loud sounds while opening or closing. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

NHTSA ID

11742916

Incident

May 25, 2026

Mileage

23,000 mi

I was sitting in the car with my daughter with the car in park, but the engine was on. Suddenly the engine started revving, and I thought her foot hit the peddle but it wasn't the case, and she had to turn the car off. I then got into the driver's seat and started the car again, and it did the same thing. I turned the car off and had to Uber home.

NHTSA ID

11717691

Incident

Feb 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated. The contact was able to pull into a nearby parking lot where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the cause of the failure and repaired the vehicle. The contact believed that the battery and drive train were repaired. Approximately 2 to 3 years later, while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle started shaking, lost motive power, and stalled. Law Enforcement arrived on the scene, and while assisting with moving the vehicle from the middle of the road became aware that coolant was leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the inverter drive system and wiring harness had caused a catastrophic drive failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA ID

11715748

Incident

Feb 5, 2023

Mileage

10,000 mi

The vehicle experienced a complete loss of propulsion, causing it to freeze and become unable to move. The first occurrence happened during the original factory warranty period and required towing to a dealership, but the root cause was not identified at that time. The same loss-of-propulsion failure has since recurred, rendering the vehicle inoperable. A dealership has now diagnosed a failure of an electric vehicle propulsion/inverter component. The vehicle is currently in the dealership’s possession and available for inspection. Loss of propulsion presents a safety risk, particularly if it occurs while driving or in traffic, as it can result in sudden loss of power and inability to move the vehicle out of hazardous situations. The failure has been confirmed by the servicing dealership. There is also concern that a related cooling system component may be involved, but that has not yet been confirmed, as the primary propulsion failure must be addressed first. As of the date of this complaint, the vehicle remains inoperable and has been at the dealership since mid-November awaiting repair authorization.

NHTSA ID

11708396

Incident

Nov 11, 2025

When attempting to park the vehicle, at low speed, the vehicle performed an unintended acceleration leading the vehicle to crash.

NHTSA ID

11701801

Incident

Oct 16, 2025

Ever since I bought the vehicle new in 2021 I have had perpetual problems with the software and technology. The cruise control system has gone out completely, all electrical fails in the vehicle, apple car play regularly goes out. What is even more of a safety concern is multiple times my car has been automatically braking and suddenly accelerates nearly causing me to rear end the vehicle in front of me. Several times I have been traveling down the road straight ahead with the cruise control system enabled and the vehicle will suddenly automatically turn sharply throwing me towards oncoming traffic or towards the side of the road. Fortunately I have been able to prevent an accident every time because of quick action but this is deeply concerning and an extreme safety concern for me and others on the road.

NHTSA ID

11698511

Incident

Oct 31, 2025

Back up camera consistently does not turn off. Audio system, including turning signals and reverse alert do not activate. This continues to be a safety risk despite numerous software updates that have allegedly fixed the issues.

NHTSA ID

11690240

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

The supposed software fix for the rearview camera not being available did not solve the problem. I’m still getting “Camera is temporarily unavailable.” When shifting into reverse. Vehicle was updated to software version 3.7 and this issue persists.

NHTSA ID

11685234

Incident

Aug 25, 2025

1. OBC failure. Stranded unable to charge. Situational could be dangerous. 2. Rt side mirror defaults to extreme angle after locking car evert time. Dealership could not troubleshoot solution.

NHTSA ID

11677385

Incident

Jul 24, 2025

I was driving this car on Highway 99 on 7/11/2025. The dashboard flashed the message " Stop safely The vehicle will stop Propulsion system failure." I cut the lane and stopped my car on the Highway 99 shoulder. Just right, my car stopped on the Highway shoulder; it disabled itself and couldn't move at all. The gear shift can't shift to neutral (N). From the first message appearing on the dashboard to the car being disabled takes just a couple of seconds. When it happened, it was about 6:30 pm, rush hour. If I had not had a chance to drive the car immediately to the highway shoulder, the vehicle would have stopped in the lane, and I would have been crashed into by the cars behind me. This could lead to a catastrophic traffic accident. I want to mention that when the message appears on the dashboard, there is no sound alert. When people drive on the highway, their eyes are most likely focused on the road. Without a sound alert, people may not be aware of the message present. I contacted to the manufacturer on the 7/13, Sunday, they said they will open the case to investigation. As I report this incident, I have not heard from them yet. I uploaded the message photo that appears on the dashboard when the incident happened. Let me know if you need any information from me. Thank you!

NHTSA ID

11673958

Incident

Jul 11, 2025

On July 1st 2025, while slowly reversing out of my driveway at approximately 3–4 mph, the vehicle’s collision detection system errantly detected an imminent collision. Despite there being no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in the vehicle’s path, the system abruptly engaged the automatic emergency braking (AEB). This sudden and forceful braking caused me to experience whiplash due to the unexpected jolt. There was no prior warning or indication of a malfunction, nor any alert from the vehicle indicating why the braking occurred. After exiting the vehicle and inspecting the surroundings, I confirmed there were no obstructions behind or near the vehicle. This appears to be a false positive detection by the vehicle’s collision avoidance system. This incident raises serious concerns about the reliability and safety of the AEB system, particularly in low-speed reversing situations. An erroneous activation of this kind can result in injury to the occupants, potential rear-end collisions (in other traffic scenarios), and may also contribute to driver mistrust of critical safety features.

NHTSA ID

11671132

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention screen image malfunctioned and started flickering before displaying a blank screen. During the failure, the message "Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V282000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 36,000.

NHTSA ID

11670489

Incident

Jun 23, 2025

Mileage

36,000 mi

After having the rear camera software update to address the safety recall on 05/28, the “camera unavailable” problem persists. This vehicle has underpowered chipset in the IHU and the entire IHU should be subject to recall.

NHTSA ID

11663945

Incident

May 30, 2025

Turning out of parking lot , car started pulsing, and stopped. Propulsion failure box popped up. Thankfully no cars behind us (young daughter in car seat)or was not attempting to merge on highway. Tow truck manually pulled car as no electric (cannot unlock or open trunk), completely shut down.

NHTSA ID

11662285

Incident

May 17, 2025

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 happened the dealership instructed me to have Volvo Roadside Assistance tow the vehicle to the dealership, even though the vehicle was 91 miles from the dealership. The tow operator confirmed to me that the car wouldn't operate, and that she reported this to the dealership. Still, because the dealership has be unable to replicate the problem, it refuses to replace the 12-volt battery system. There have been no warning lights. This is a safety issue because it has occurred at night, far from my home and outside of mobile phone coverage. I am also concerned that it may occur while I am driving, although that has not occurred.

NHTSA ID

11634084

Incident

Dec 20, 2024

-The forward automatic braking system/City Safety has misfired multiple times in all weather conditions, on surface streets and on the highway. -This causes automatic braking which could cause an accident. -The car is currently at the dealer for inspection since 10/25/2024. It is now 11/5/2024. -There was a message on the dash saying that the dashboard screen was blocked- this began a few months ago. This issue with the automatic braking began after my last service for an oil change about two months ago.

NHTSA ID

11623705

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

The check engine light has been on my vehicle since April 1, 2024. I have taken it in twice to a Volvo dealership and they cannot give me an answer as to why this is happening. They reset it and it comes right back on after a few miles. They tell me when they get an answer they will call me back in to have it fixed. It still has not been fixed.

NHTSA ID

11622739

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

Car can move forward automatically itself from stop position

NHTSA ID

11603647

Incident

Jun 14, 2024

When using the power liftgate, in normal day to day use, the strut had seized and the lift gate was stuck open. As we were parked, we attempted multiple times and different ways to lower the lift gate by the buttons provided for their lift gate, the key fob and by manually attempting to close. The lift gate would not close nor latch and it appeared to be misaligned. When we called Volvo Santa Ana Ca, Mina, a representative who assisted, advised to hold the center button to reset the electricals. That did not work. He then advised to manually push the lift gate closed in order to drive it to them and be serviced. When advised by Mina, a Volvo associate, the liftgate still would not close and we were only able to close it half way before taking it to them to be examined and serviced as it is still under warranty. This became a HUGE health and safety issue when using a component of the car that is expected to function flawlessly day in and day out. If this had happened in our garage, we would not be able to get out. After a few attempts we drove the car to Volvo Santa Ana Ca, and dropped it off, they took several days to respond to let us know what was happening. The service department director, Mark, had advised that the strut seizure causing the lift gate to not function is a common occurrence and that the struts would be covered by the warranty but the liftgate WOULD NOT BE; as it was no longer aligning (due to faulty, defective strut) and thus Mark claimed it was on us, to replace or repair. This was absolutely ridiculous. The defective part of the Volvo is what caused the issue. If one is covered then both should be. We did not get into an accident. We were parked. There is absolutely no damage to the liftgate prior to this date. We then opened a case with Volvo customer service and they also denied it. We feel this is unethical and a health and safety issue that Volvo does not care about nor care to inform their customer that faulty struts are common.

NHTSA ID

11594175

Incident

Jun 2, 2024

In approximately May of 2023, my vehicle experienced "propulsion system failure" per a dash board light, and would not drive. I had it towed to Volvo and they told me that it was a known defect that required a software upgrade. They upgraded the software. In May of 2024, the car had a second propulsion system failure. The Volvo dealer found the error code and light on the dash, followed diagnostic procedures and saw that the software is up to date. They opened a case with Volvo and Volvo informed them that they are aware that propulsion system failures are occurring even with the updated software installed. They are planning an upgrade but have not yet completed it or made it available. Thus, Volvo knows that the propulsion system can fail, including when the car is in driving, and has not advised consumers or corrected the problem.

NHTSA ID

11589423

Incident

May 10, 2024

Rear collision warning system activated without reason. While stopped at a traffic light the RCWS activated and the emergency brake system engaged. This has been reported before to NHTSA. Vehicle was at the dealership for repairs or to identify the issue. Had to have it towed and dragged onto the flat bed tow truck as the cars emergency brake system was engaged and couldn't be disengaged. Received vehicle back and was told to bring it back once it happened again, which it has twice. But this time, emergency brake did not get stuck and have to be towed. It occurs without a vehicle or anything behind the vehicle and the vehicle was not in reverse when the system activated. I have contacted the Volvo consumer affairs to see if they could assist with resolving the issues as the vehicle remains in an unsafe driving state. They explained to me that it was up to the dealership/shop to locate the problem and they couldn't do anything to help. Which the dealership only suggested a replacement of the hydraulic brake system and I was advised that it might not fix the problem. I've since then been instructed to bring the vehicle back again for them to continue their road testing of the vehicle. The first time the vehicle was left for road testing it was only driven under a mile as per the recorded data showed through the Volvo car application with GPS and mileage tracking. This was explained to the service manager who reiterated to the service technician manager to road test the vehicle again. It was only driven approximately 30 miles with no issues identified by the technicians. I am currently waiting to bring the car back to the dealership for further troubleshooting / road tests.

NHTSA ID

11560494

Incident

Dec 13, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that at a stop light, the vehicle became inoperable. The contact stated that the doors would not unlock, and the seat belts became inoperable. The Rear Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light remained illuminated without another vehicle being behind. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11551651

Incident

Oct 23, 2023

Mileage

58,000 mi

An abrupt warning appeared on my vehicle, stating that there was a propulsion system failure. A turtle light then pulled up, warning that the vehicle was slowing down. Confused by these alerts, I pulled into a parking spot to shut the vehicle off and back on. Since the car does not have a power button, I had to step outside and re-enter the vehicle. The warnings immediately reappeared. I attempted to reverse out of the parking spot; the car abruptly braked itself and completely lost power. This all happened quickly. Seconds after the initial warning, the car slowed itself down, and within approximately 1-2 minutes of the initial warning, the vehicle completely lost power and the ability to drive. A tow truck came to pick up the vehicle to take it to the nearest dealership, where it is being looked at. We are incredibly lucky not to have been on the interstate or a shoulder-less stretch of road when this occurred. This would have otherwise been an incredibly dangerous and life-or-death situation—for the driver, the passengers, and anyone who happens to be in their proximity on the road.

NHTSA ID

11542720

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

I was driving our vehicle on the highway and proceeded to exit on the ramp. As I was decelerating, the instrumentation started making electrical noises and then the center console and the entire navigation screen went black. They flickered then came back up briefly before shutting off a second time, then the entire car shut down. There was no power to anything. I then attempted to push the start button, and the car did not start the first time. I tried pushing the button a second time and the car started. I brough the car to the Volvo Dealership where we purchased the vehicle and they said the car was due for a major software upgrade. I thought this was ridiculous, but said ok. After a few hours, they said the car was completed and let me take it. I did not get 100 feet down the road and noticed my moon roof no longer worked. I brought the car right back, and the technicians got in my vehicle with me in it and attempted to re-calibrate the moon roof with no luck. It was at this point they gave me a courtesy vehicle and kept my car over the weekend until Monday afternoon when they called to sday they were finally able to re-calibrate. I am extrememly concerned about this incident, and did not like how the dealership brushed it off as normal! This is a serious issue, thank God my wife was not on the hoghway when the car shut down!!

NHTSA ID

11534108

Incident

Jul 19, 2023