2020 Volvo Xc40 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes (3) · Visibility/Wiper (1) · Power Train (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Volvo Xc40 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking 2020-03-12 · campaign 20V144000 · 121,605 vehicles
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.
Risk: If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Service bulletins (175)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-05-23 · 33031.6.0 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a technical journal: text plus 1 .jpg attachment - if remote control key is not detected by the car and shows message in dim "car key not found" or if functions such as lock/unlock are not working, please follow advice for detecting key
Power Train 2026-05-07 · 36496.10.0 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a technical journal: intermittent knocking noise during acceleration. if the sound corresponds to attached sound file, change front drive shafts to the below part numbers.
Exterior Lighting 2026-05-07 · 34521.11.1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a technical journal: headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. if the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
Engine 2026-04-23 · 35526.1.8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a technical journal: text plus 2 pdfs and 1 .png oil consumption test. perform the test. follow service procedure description and service sections updated to clarify that vehicle reports are not required.
Unknown Or Other 2026-04-07 · 37809.1.1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a tj text only - the purpose of this tj is to be a master reference list to easily identify any components that are on prior approval. this tj will be regularily updated as items are added or removed from prior approval. current items under prior approval are listed in the "service" sec
Exterior Lighting 2026-03-21 · 34521.10.0 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a technical journal: headlamp condensation inside lens - information/leak test. if the result is not ok (air leak), it is ok to replace the headlamp
Showing the 6 most recent of 175 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-08-19 · Power Train“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 vehicle overheating was witness…”
2026-05-23 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera“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 immediate risk because the sudde…”
2026-01-19 · 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 4, 2026. the director of…”
2026-01-05 · Service Brakes“ 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 torque increased in direct resp…”
2024-04-09 · Visibility/Wiper“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 beams and turn signals) fail…”
2023-03-27 · Electrical System:software · 30,453 mi“the contact owns a 2020 volvo xc40. the contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer and the infotainment system screen turned blank. the vehicle then lost motive power. the electronic stability program (esp) warning light was illuminated. the contact's wife veered to the side of the road, and the contact …”
2022-09-29 · Air Bags · 💥 crash“air bags did not deploy when car hit another vehicle that failed to stop and dui. volvo was traveling at 35mph and vehicle hit was traveling 35+. vehicle is available for inspection at this time. driver experiencing bodily injuries (neck, shoulders, back, ribs, and legs, etc. as well as affects of a concussion. i am not sure who to contact to i…”
2022-08-26 · Electrical System“the electrical system on my car apparently failed, which rendered the car unable to start and drive. park place volvo claims that there is water, that penetrated the seals, from underneath the car. although there were no visible signs of water, volvo claims that the rain caused this issue. volvo has refused to honor a warranty for the alleged de…”
2022-04-28 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking“vehicle suddenly puts on the brakes, for no reason. has happened 3 times, 2 in parking lots and 1 while driving down the road, suddenly swerved for no reason. could cause injuries to driver and passenger.…”
2022-02-24 · Service Brakes“my xc40 has 24, 500 miles on it, and it has already had three sets of brake rotors replaced. the dealership reported "warped rotors" on my front brake rotors in the summer of 2021 at 15,000 miles and replaced them. now at 24,500 miles, both the front and rear rotors were again "warped" and replaced by the dealership noting that the "rotors had p…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.