What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volvo XC40?

Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (7 complaints), followed by engine (5).

How many 2019 Volvo XC40 complaints mention a crash or fire?

4 of 30 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2019 Volvo XC40 recalls and problems

4 recalls and 30 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2019 Volvo XC40.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2019 Volvo XC40 recalls

Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking · Forward collision avoidance: software, pedestrian/cyclist/object/obstacle/ recognition

NHTSA campaign 20V144000 · reported March 12, 2020 · Volvo Car USA LLC · 121,605 vehicles potentially affected

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

Electrical system: software

NHTSA campaign 18V800000 · reported November 13, 2018 · Volvo Car USA LLC · 17,548 vehicles potentially affected

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

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

NHTSA campaign 18V554000 · reported August 22, 2018 · Volvo Car USA LLC · 71 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.

Seats: mid/rear assembly

NHTSA campaign 18V535000 · reported August 15, 2018 · Volvo Car USA LLC · 27 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Unknown or other7
Engine5
Service brakes5
Air bags4
Forward collision avoidance3
Seat belts3
Structure3
Electrical system2
Fuel/propulsion system2
Power train2

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 18, 2026 · Structure
The driver side liftgate strut broke; the liftgate raised normally and when reached the fully opened position it immediately started to close very rapidly, this could have easily hit someone quite hard in the head. The Liftgate was then stuck in a halfway opened position and was unable to close fully. I was able to…

Feb 26, 2026 · Vehicle speed control · 7,600 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated while at a stop sign or a stop light, the engine revved loudly, and the vehicle suddenly lunged forward out of control. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The…

May 21, 2025 · Service brakes
The component that failed was the Brake pedal, it was unresponsive while driving on the freeway, it was hard to push and the vehicle would not come to a complete stop. My safety along with my daughter was put at risk due to nearly colliding into several vehicles due to not being able to stop vehicle. I had to tow the…

May 2, 2025 · Structure
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.

Nov 1, 2024 · Power train · 42,000 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that the gear shifter knob had detached. The contact stated that the knob was not welded to the lever. The contact became aware that crazy glue had been used to secure the shifter knob. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear; and while…

XC40 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes
2017	1	0	0
2018	1	0	0
2019	4	30	4
2020	1	12	1
2021	5	52	3
2022	3	37	2

Across all years, the 2021 XC40 has the most complaints (52). All Volvo XC40 years →

Questions

Does the 2019 Volvo XC40 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2019 Volvo XC40, the most recent reported on March 12, 2020 (Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking, Forward collision avoidance: software, pedestrian/cyclist/object/obstacle/ recognition). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volvo XC40?: Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (7 complaints), followed by engine (5).
How many 2019 Volvo XC40 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 4 of 30 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 18, 2026.