Volvo XC40 problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 6, 2026

The largest XC40 recall is 25V-908, the rearview camera software fix covering 2021–2025 models. 2024 models have a left rear turn-signal software recall, and 2021–2022 XC40 Recharge electric models have accelerator-sensor corrosion and high-voltage disconnect recalls that can cause loss of drive power.

CarWhere lists 8 documented XC40 issues, including 8 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

XC40 generations at a glance

Volvo XC40 generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
First generation	2019–present	Rearview camera image may not display (recall 25V-908) · Left rear turn signal may not work (recall 24V-010) · Loss of brake function in B mode or One Pedal Drive (recall 25V-392) · Water can corrode the accelerator pedal sensor, electric models (recall 22V-288) · High-voltage system may disconnect, electric models (recall 21V-109) · Seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early (recall 21V-682) · Automatic emergency braking may not engage (recall 20V-144) · Brake pedal may be loose, do-not-drive notice (recall 18V-554)

First generation XC40 problems (2019–present)

Rearview camera image may not display (recall 25V-908) (2021–2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: First generation (2019–present) – 2021–2025
Years:: 2021–2025
Powertrain:: All

Recall 25V-908 covers 2021–2025 XC40 models among about 413,151 Volvo vehicles because the rearview camera image may not appear when the car is put in reverse, failing FMVSS 111. It replaces recall 25V-282, and cars repaired under 25V-282 need the new software remedy, done over the air or by a dealer.

Symptoms

Blank or missing camera image when shifting into reverse

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm the software update was installed, over the air or by a dealer

NHTSA recall: 25V908000 (2025-12) · 413,151 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2][3]

Left rear turn signal may not work (recall 24V-010) (2024)

Safety recall

Generation:: First generation (2019–present) – 2024
Years:: 2024
Powertrain:: All

Recall 24V-010 covers about 17,409 2024 XC40s because a Central Electronic Module software diagnostic error can stop the left rear turn signal from working. The software is updated over the air or by a dealer.

Symptoms

Left rear turn signal not flashing

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm the software update was installed, over the air or by a dealer

NHTSA recall: 24V010000 (2024-01) · 17,409 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4][3]

Loss of brake function in B mode or One Pedal Drive (recall 25V-392) (2023–2024)

Safety recall

Generation:: First generation (2019–present) – 2023–2024 electric
Years:: 2023–2024
Powertrain:: Plug-in hybrid and electric

Recall 25V-392 covers 2023–2024 XC40 electric models and other Volvo EVs and PHEVs, about 11,469 vehicles, because brake function may be lost while coasting downhill in "B" mode (plug-in hybrids) or One Pedal Drive (electric models). Volvo advised owners not to use those modes until the brake module software is updated over the air or by a dealer.

Symptoms

Reduced or no braking while coasting downhill in B mode or One Pedal Drive

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Confirm the software update was installed, over the air or by a dealer

NHTSA recall: 25V392000 (2025-06) · 11,469 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][3]

Water can corrode the accelerator pedal sensor, electric models (recall 22V-288) (2021–2022)

Safety recall

Generation:: First generation (2019–present) – 2021–2022 electric
Years:: 2021–2022
Powertrain:: XC40 Recharge (electric)

Recall 22V-288 covers about 5,351 2021–2022 XC40 electric models because water can enter the cable harness and corrode the accelerator pedal sensor circuit, which can cause unintended acceleration, no acceleration or loss of drive power. Dealers inspect, add a cable splice and replace parts as needed.

Symptoms

Erratic or no response to the accelerator

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the Volvo dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 22V288000 (2022-04) · 5,351 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [6][3]

High-voltage system may disconnect, electric models (recall 21V-109) (2021–2022)

Safety recall

Generation:: First generation (2019–present) – 2021–2022 electric
Years:: 2021–2022
Powertrain:: XC40 Recharge (electric)

Recall 21V-109 covers about 2,278 2021–2022 XC40 Recharge vehicles because the battery energy control module microprocessor may reset and disconnect the high-voltage system, causing loss of drive power. Dealers install a software update.

Symptoms

Sudden loss of drive power

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the Volvo dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 21V109000 (2021-02) · 2,278 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7][3]

Seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early (recall 21V-682) (2021)

Safety recall

Generation:: First generation (2019–present) – 2021
Years:: 2021
Powertrain:: All

Recall 21V-682 covers about 19,149 2021–2022 Volvos including the 2021 XC40 and XC40 Recharge because the belt locking retractors used to secure child seats may deactivate early (FMVSS 208). Dealers inspect and replace belts as needed.

Symptoms

Child seat that will not stay tight with the belt locked

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the Volvo dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 21V682000 (2021-09) · 19,149 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8][3]

Automatic emergency braking may not engage (recall 20V-144) (2019–2020)

Safety recall

Generation:: First generation (2019–present) – 2019–2020
Years:: 2019–2020
Powertrain:: All

Recall 20V-144 covers XC40 models among about 121,605 2019–2020 Volvos because a software and hardware incompatibility can stop the automatic emergency braking system from detecting obstacles. Dealers update the Active Safety Domain Master software.

Symptoms

No obvious symptom; the system may fail to brake for an obstacle

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the Volvo dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V144000 (2020-03) · 121,605 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9][3]

Brake pedal may be loose, do-not-drive notice (recall 18V-554) (2019)

Safety recall

Generation:: First generation (2019–present) – 2019
Years:: 2019
Powertrain:: All

Recall 18V-554 covered 71 early 2019 XC40s whose brake pedals may not have been riveted correctly. Volvo told owners to stop driving until the pedal was inspected or replaced.

Symptoms

Brake pedal that moves out of position

Check before buying

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask for the Volvo dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 18V554000 (2018-08) · 71 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10][3]

Related XC40 research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an XC40 was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Volvo build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Volvo build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Volvo XC40 recalls?

The rearview camera (25V-908, 2021–2025), the 2024 left rear turn signal (24V-010), and on 2021–2022 Recharge models the accelerator pedal sensor (22V-288) and high-voltage disconnect (21V-109).

Does the XC40 Recharge have recalls?

Yes: 22V-288 (accelerator sensor water intrusion), 21V-109 (high-voltage disconnect) and 25V-392 (brake loss in One Pedal Drive) on 2023–2024 models.

Was there a do-not-drive recall on the XC40?

Yes. Recall 18V-554 told owners of 71 early 2019 XC40s with possibly mis-riveted brake pedals to stop driving until inspected.

How do I check an XC40 for open recalls?

Enter the VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup; several XC40 remedies are software updates that can be installed over the air.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

NHTSA recall 25V-908: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
NHTSA recall 25V-282: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim): all Volvo Car USA, LLC recalls — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
NHTSA recall 24V-010: Inoperative Left Rear Turn Signal (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
NHTSA recall 25V-392: Loss of Brake Function (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
NHTSA recall 22V-288: Accelerator Pedal Water Intrusion (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
NHTSA recall 21V-109: High Voltage Disconnect May Cause Drive Power Loss (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
NHTSA recall 21V-682: Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208 (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
NHTSA recall 20V-144: Automatic Emergency Braking May Not Engage (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
NHTSA recall 18V-554: Brake Pedal may be Loose (DOT recall dataset record) — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

More Volvo tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Volvo Car USA or Volvo Cars. Volvo, Recharge, Polestar Engineered and the model names are trademarks of their owners.