2021 Volvo XC40: common problems and reliability
An average XC40 year.
120 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 XC40?The 2021 Volvo XC40 has 120 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and fuel/propulsion system.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Volvo XC40 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other XC40 years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the XC40?
Across the 8 XC40 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 24 (2020) to 142 (2023). With 120 complaints, the 2021 XC40 sits above the model's median of 60.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 XC40
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:management system/energy control module (bms/becm):software
Campaign 21V109000Volvo 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.
seat belts:front:retractor
Campaign 21V682000Volvo 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."
engine
Campaign 21V881000Volvo 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.
back over prevention:software
Campaign 25V282000Volvo 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."
Show 1 more recall
back over prevention:software
Campaign 25V908000Volvo 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."
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide between powertrains.
Owner insights cover all generations of the XC40. See the full XC40 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used XC40 listings typically run $23,088–$30,998.
Other XC40 model years
Compare every XC40 year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the XC40 against its rivals
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