VehicleVerdict

2019 Volvo XC40 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2019 Volvo XC40 sits mid-pack among XC40 years: 43 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 42, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (7), brakes (5), and engine (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

43

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other XC40 years?

XC40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted78 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 43 complaints2020: 20 complaints2021: 78 complaints2022: 46 complaints2023: 60 complaints2024: 42 complaints2025: 17 complaints
XC40 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all XC40 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Volvo XC40 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other716%
Brakes512%
Engine512%
Airbags49%
Driver Assistance49%
Seat Belts37%
Electrical System37%
Body & Structure37%
Speed Control25%
Transmission25%
Fuel System25%
Seats12%
Steering12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2019 Volvo XC40 have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V144000Driver AssistanceMarch 12, 2020 · 121,605 units

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.

Consequence

If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

18V800000Electrical SystemNovember 13, 2018 · 17,548 units

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.

Consequence

If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.

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.

18V554000BrakesAugust 22, 2018 · 71 units

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.

Consequence

Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

18V535000SeatsAugust 15, 2018 · 27 units

Defect

Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The rear seats may not have rear seat back lock strikers, allowing the seat back to move forward during certain hard braking conditions or a crash.

Consequence

If the seat back moves forward during hard braking or in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install the seat back lock strikers if they are missing, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89898.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 25, 2025

“VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND SHOWED 'SAFETY MODE SEE OWNERS MANUAL' AFTER SUSTAINING MINOR FRONT END DAMAGE IN A COLLISION WITH A DEER. UNABLE TO MOVE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOPPING LOCATION ON A RURAL INTERSTATE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES UNTIL 'SAFETY MODE' EVENTUALLY RESET AND ALLOWED LIMP-HOME POWER.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 27, 2019 · crash

“I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND MY BACKUP ALARM FAILED TO SOUND AS WELL AS MY BACKUP BREAKING SYSTEM. THE RESULT WAS ME BACKING UP INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM WAS REPORTED TO THE VOLVO DEALERSHIP AND THEY DENIED THAT THE SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SEVERAL MONTHS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 3, 2019 · crash

“While entering a parking spot my car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the wall in front of me in spite of my pushing my brakes 100%. The car never went into the automatic braking system before I applied the brakes, the seat belt never engaged and the air bags on the driver's side did not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 7, 2023 · crash

“Driver was stuck on ice pulling into a driveway, car got traction and driver thought they were on the brake but was on the gas. The vehicle ran into the garage going 9.9 mph (we have the EDR) and the steering wheel airbag and knee airbags deployed. The knee airbag caused a significant compound…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 20, 2022 · crash

2019 Volvo XC40 — common questions

Is the 2019 Volvo XC40 reliable?

It is close to typical for the XC40: 43 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 XC40 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (7 complaints), brakes (5 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2019 Volvo XC40 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Volvo XC40. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Volvo XC40 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the XC40 years to avoid are 2021. The cleanest record among XC40 years belongs to 2018.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.