KnownCarProblems2021 Volvo XC40 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volvo XC40, most often about the electrical (27% of complaints). It is the most complained-about XC40 model year since 2000 and has 5 recalls.
Most common 2021 Volvo XC40 problems
Electrical
14 complaints · 27%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…
Fuel system
10 complaints · 19%Backup camera
8 complaints · 15%Parts named most often: rearview system braking, sensing system, automatic system braking, warnings.
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…
Driver assistance
7 complaints · 14%Parts named most often: automatic emergency braking, assist, warning, adaptive cruise control.
Other or unspecified
7 complaints · 14%Speed control
5 complaints · 10%Visibility and wipers
5 complaints · 10%Transmission
5 complaints · 10%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Volvo XC40 recalls
Backup camera: software
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed february 24, 2026. Owners may contact volvo carâs customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo car's number for this recall is r10333. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning february 16, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recall number 25v282. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25v282 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Full defect summary
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."
Backup camera: software
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 27, 2025. Owners may contact volvo car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo car's number for this recall is r10320.
Full defect summary
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."
Body and structure: frame and members
Risk: A loose or missing bolt may decrease the structural protection of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cross-member bracket and install new bracket bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed december 16, 2021. Owners may contact volvo customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is r10128.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: retractor
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed october 13, 2021. Owners may contact volvo car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo car's number for this recall is r10111.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
Risk: A disconnected high voltage system can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo car will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update, free of charge. The recall began march 30, 2021. Owners may contact volvo car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo car's number for this recall is r10078.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2021 Volvo XC40
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Volvo XC40?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (14 complaints); fuel system (10 complaints); backup camera (8 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo XC40 have?
- 5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 23, 2025 (backup camera). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Volvo XC40?
- It is the most complained-about XC40 model year since 2000, with 52 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.