2021 Volvo XC40
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Volvo XC40 has 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 43. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: 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 ma. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.
78
Total Complaints
5
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
19 complaints- • 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 ma
- • 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 forwar
- • 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 forwar
“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 ma”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (5)
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2022 XC40 Recharge vehicles. The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) microprocessor may reset and cause the high voltage system to disconnect.
Risk: A disconnected high voltage system can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Volvo Car will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10078.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Volvo XC40
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Volvo XC40
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Volvo XC40 Service Intervals
T5/T6/T8 all use 4-cylinder engines. T8 plug-in hybrids: battery cooling system serviced with engine coolant.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Volvo New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Corrosion unlimited miles for 12 years
These are the terms for a new Volvo. If you're buying a used 2021 XC40, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Volvo dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 78 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 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 ma
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: I WAS GIVEN THE CAR A A DEMO PENDING DELIVERY AND IT STOPPED UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: A complete power failure. The main battery failed due to a software failure from The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The entire car stopped working. No power to unlock the wheels. The car was dead towed on rollers under the wheels via flatbed truck. A recall r10078 was not given and was not
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SPEED CONTROL: The 2021 XC 40 vehicle will periodically not restart - may be something to do with the safety key or some other electrical malfunction. The dashboard shows the battery symbol when the car will not restart as if the vehicle is dead (no electrical connection). Also, when the start button is depressed
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Volvo dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Volvo XC40 — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 78
- Recalls
- 5
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 6
- Injury reports
- 2
- Segment avg
- 43
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Volvo XC40