2022 Volvo XC40 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 Volvo XC40, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance2158.3%
- Electrical38.3%
- Body & structure38.3%
- Fuel system12.8%
- Interior & seats12.8%
- Powertrain (other)12.8%
- Steering12.8%
- Suspension12.8%
- Airbags12.8%
- Tires & wheels12.8%
- Brakes12.8%
- Engine12.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in my vehicle. The AEB system has repeatedly activated without any apparent reason, causing the vehicle to brake suddenly when there are no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or road hazards present. These events have occurred under normal driving conditions. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership at least five times (possibly more) for this same issue. Each time, the dealer has stated that the vehicle is “operating as designed” or that they were unable to identify or correct the problem. Despite these visits, the unintended braking continues to occur. There have been passengers in the vehicle during these incidents who witnessed the sudden, unnecessary braking and can confirm that no hazard was present at the time. This defect creates a serious safety risk, as unexpected braking could easily result in a rear-end collision or loss of control. I am increasingly fearful that this issue will cause an accident. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can investigate whether this defect affects other vehicles with the same system and take appropriate action to protect public safety.
Even after the last recall campaign, my vehicle still frequently fails to activate the backup camera with a message stating Backup Camera unavailable. The software update that was intended to resolve the issue has not worked. I've seen multiple other Volvo drivers complaining about the same issue online. This is regarding the following previous recall: Recall R10320 WAM Upgrade, Model Year 2021-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, S90, V90, V90CC, XC60, XC90, XC40, EX40, C40 and EC40 vehicles The supposed fix was provided in software version 3.5.14, and my vehicle is currently on 3.7.0
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle is affected by the recall #R10320 or NHTSA # 25V282. The recall letter states that the dealerships have the updated software available to solve the back-up camera issue, also over the air update will solve the problem later if that is my choice. The problem is that I see this as just a marketing ploy to get me into the dealership and upsell me on something I don't want. The OTA update should be available at the same time the dealership has the software. This is not an acceptable situation. This issue has always been very annoying and inconvenient and continues to be so. I just don't want the inconvenience of going to the dealership where there should be an alternative.
In the past 3 months, my 2022 Volvo XC40 has experienced four complete power failures, each requiring a tow. 1️⃣ The first incident occurred while waiting at a left-turn lane; the car stalled and would not restart. 2️⃣ The second incident happened at a car wash where the vehicle died mid-process and could not be restarted. 3️⃣ The third incident was the most dangerous—while driving at 50–60 mph on a single-lane road, the car suddenly lost all power. I was fortunate to find a safe spot to pull over. 4️⃣ The fourth incident occurred on July 4th while I was visiting a town 2.5 hours from home. After stopping for gas, the car wouldn’t restart and had to be towed to a local Volvo dealership. These repeated failures create a serious safety risk, especially for drivers like myself who use highways regularly. Sudden loss of power at high speeds could result in a collision or leave occupants stranded in dangerous situations.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front driver or passenger doors do not open 100% of the time when pulling on the handle. This behavior happens after the car has been unlocked. It happens when pulling at an angle that is slightly up and quick in motion. If you pull directly out, away from the car body, and slower it will open up without issue. I was able to reproduce the behavior at the dealership and was informed that Volvo doors don't open when you do that quick of a motion. Based off that response I do not believe the dealership inspected the door mechanism but instead left it as an accepted issue with the car. I fear if there were a situation when I needed to get into the car immediately it may require multiple pulls on the door handle to work properly.
See accompanying letter.Cracked panoramic sun roof, with no evidence convincing stone damage, people with similar issues , involving same model.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle started shaking uncontrollably and was unable to accelerate. I was to get it to buck and jerk and coast to my house out of a dangerous intersection. Error stated Propulsion System Failure. Shutting off the car and restarting the error code stayed. However, the next morning, the error code disappeared. Volvo was unable to replicate issue but did see a software update. What scares me about this propulsion thing though is if happens on my commute without any warning.... and just an over the air software update to cause huge safety issues.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front driver or passenger doors do not open 100% of the time when pulling on the handle. This behavior happens after the car has been unlocked. It happens when pulling at an angle that is slightly up and quick in motion. If you pull directly out, away from the car body, and slower it will open up without issue. I was able to reproduce the behavior at the dealership and was informed that Volvo doors don't open when you do that quick of a motion. Based off that response I do not believe the dealership inspected the door mechanism but instead left it as an accepted issue with the car. I fear if there were a situation when I needed to get into the car immediately it may require multiple pulls on the door handle to work properly.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
In the past 3 months, my 2022 Volvo XC40 has experienced four complete power failures, each requiring a tow. 1️⃣ The first incident occurred while waiting at a left-turn lane; the car stalled and would not restart. 2️⃣ The second incident happened at a car wash where the vehicle died mid-process and could not be restarted. 3️⃣ The third incident was the most dangerous—while driving at 50–60 mph on a single-lane road, the car suddenly lost all power. I was fortunate to find a safe spot to pull over. 4️⃣ The fourth incident occurred on July 4th while I was visiting a town 2.5 hours from home. After stopping for gas, the car wouldn’t restart and had to be towed to a local Volvo dealership. These repeated failures create a serious safety risk, especially for drivers like myself who use highways regularly. Sudden loss of power at high speeds could result in a collision or leave occupants stranded in dangerous situations.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving the power steering fails. This is after the dealer had installed a software fix for this problem
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Both front strut upper bearings failed with less than 30k miles. Continued noise coming from front end diagnosed as failed left strut, causing left upper bearing and strut to be replaced. Polestar 2, which uses the same assembly and Volvo have issues technical journals. Polestar is issuing an upgraded part, though it appears Volvo is not. Owner forums comment on this issue and it is well known with Volvo. A solution for the front suspension should be implemented under a recall as failure of these parts is premature and seems to represent a manufacturing defect.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Volvo XC40. The contact stated while dropping off her niece at school, the vehicle was at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and drove over the pavement. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The vehicle crashed into the wall of the school and crashed into the school fence. The curtain air bags were deployed; however, the front driver's side air bag failed to deploy. The contact sustained pain in the right shoulder. The contact received medical assistance the following day. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a Volvo Collision Center. The Volvo Collision Center took the vehicle to their location and informed the contact that they were awaiting a Volvo engineer to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact was test driving a 2022 Volvo XC40 equipped with Pirelli tires. Tire Line: Pirelli, Tire Size:2255/40R20, DOT: Not available. The contact stated while driving at 3 MPH and making a turn in her driveway, the vehicle bumped the curve and the driver-side rear tire blew out. The contact stated it was the original tire. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they will follow up on the failure. The tire was replaced. The vehicle failure mileage and the tire failure mileages were unknown. The VIN was not available.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Volvo XC40. The contact stated while dropping off her niece at school, the vehicle was at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and drove over the pavement. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The vehicle crashed into the wall of the school and crashed into the school fence. The curtain air bags were deployed; however, the front driver's side air bag failed to deploy. The contact sustained pain in the right shoulder. The contact received medical assistance the following day. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a Volvo Collision Center. The Volvo Collision Center took the vehicle to their location and informed the contact that they were awaiting a Volvo engineer to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
In the past 3 months, my 2022 Volvo XC40 has experienced four complete power failures, each requiring a tow. 1️⃣ The first incident occurred while waiting at a left-turn lane; the car stalled and would not restart. 2️⃣ The second incident happened at a car wash where the vehicle died mid-process and could not be restarted. 3️⃣ The third incident was the most dangerous—while driving at 50–60 mph on a single-lane road, the car suddenly lost all power. I was fortunate to find a safe spot to pull over. 4️⃣ The fourth incident occurred on July 4th while I was visiting a town 2.5 hours from home. After stopping for gas, the car wouldn’t restart and had to be towed to a local Volvo dealership. These repeated failures create a serious safety risk, especially for drivers like myself who use highways regularly. Sudden loss of power at high speeds could result in a collision or leave occupants stranded in dangerous situations.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .