2021 Volvo XC40 problems
Owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Volvo XC40. Electrical system is the most reported problem area, at 17% of complaints. After that come fuel system (12%) and backover prevention (10%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 81 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Electrical system 17% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 6 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 3 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What the data shows
Safety-related details: 6 complaints mention a crash; 3 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2021 ranks 1st most-complained-about out of 5 model years of the Volvo XC40 with enough data (81 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 5 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
On July 1st 2025, while slowly reversing out of my driveway at approximately 3–4 mph, the vehicle’s collision detection system errantly detected an imminent collision. Despite there being no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in the vehicle’s path, the system abruptly engaged the automatic emergency braking (AEB). This sudden and forceful braking caused me to experience whiplash due to the unexpected jolt.
On 8/3/21 I had an accident in my brand new 2021 xc40. I lightly tapped on the accelerator to close in a gap as I came to a stop at a red light. The vehicle jumped forward as though I floored the accelerator, though again, it was a slight tap. I rear-ended the car in front of me. There was no forward collision warning, no mitigation by the vehicle applying the brakes, nothing. The vehicle is supposed to assist in this situation, but the aeb system did not work at all.
Rear passenger pirelli tire 245/45 r20 103h blowout. Entire tire gone. Damage to rim, brake hose, wheel well, bumper, paint on car, excessive damage to car. Traveling on highway, took exit.
The contact owns a 2021 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that the vehicle was delivered to his residence by the local dealer. Upon inspection, he became aware that the automatic emergency braking system sensor was not operating as designed while reversing with an object nearby. The local dealer was made aware of the issue however, no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 7.