What are the most common problems with the 2020 Volvo XC40?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (4 complaints), followed by engine (3).

How many 2020 Volvo XC40 complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 12 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2020 Volvo XC40 recalls and problems

1 recall and 12 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2020 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.

2020 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.

Most reported problems

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

Electrical system4
Engine3
Power train3
Service brakes3
Forward collision avoidance2
Air bags1
Back over prevention1
Exterior lighting1
Lane departure1
Seat belts1

What owners report

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

Aug 19, 2026 · Electrical system
The cooling system cracked, malfunctioned and caused a domino effect of multiple repair issues costing at least $5,200. My car is currently at a Volvo dealer. My Safety: The possibility of the hot engine and hot wires could have resulted in a fire. This problem HAS been reproduced and confirmed by a Volvo dealer. The…

May 23, 2026 · Back over prevention
The rear backup camera display system failed, resulting in a completely blank or black center infotainment screen when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Yes, the vehicle and its Sensus infotainment system software logs are available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of pedestrians were put at…

Jan 19, 2026 · Service brakes
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR ODI#11708898. I am providing additional documentation to this ODI case. I had to create a new complaint since there appears to be no way on-line to add this information. Gunther Volvo has not provided ANY status updates of my vehicle which has been in their possession since Sunday, January…

Jan 5, 2026 · Power train
On 01/04/2026, while operating a gas-powered 2024 Volvo XC40, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA) event while stationary at a red light. With the service brake fully depressed, the internal combustion engine began to surge and rev uncontrollably, making loud noises. The engine…

Apr 9, 2024 · Electrical system
During night rainstorm, front and rear wipers, turn signals and high beams all failed. This was the result of a design defect that allows water from panoramic moonroof to drain into the floor where it compromises electrical connections and modules. In addition to potentially catastrophic safety component (wipers, high…

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
2023	4	47	8

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

Questions

Does the 2020 Volvo XC40 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 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 2020 Volvo XC40?: Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (4 complaints), followed by engine (3).
How many 2020 Volvo XC40 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 12 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 19, 2026.