2019 Volvo XC40 recalls and problems

The 2019 Volvo XC40 has 4 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.

Urgent: recall 18V-554 carries a "do not drive" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
4
Complaints
30
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2019 Volvo XC40 recalls

Recall 20V-144: Forward Collision Avoidance

Reported Mar 12, 2020 · 121,605 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA LLC

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.

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.

Recall 18V-800: Electrical System

Reported Nov 13, 2018 · 17,548 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA LLC

Problem: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.

Risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.

Recall 18V-554: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Do not driveReported Aug 22, 2018 · 71 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA LLC

Problem: Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The brake pedals may not have been correctly riveted, allowing the pedal to move out of position, possibly reducing braking performance.

Risk: Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Volvo has notified owners advising them to stop driving their vehicle. Cars will be inspected on-site or towed to dealers and the brake pedals will be replaced as necessary, free of charge. Volvo began contacting their owners on August 23, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R59899.

Recall 18V-535: Seats

Reported Aug 15, 2018 · 27 vehicles affected · Volvo Car USA LLC

Problem: Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The rear seats may not have rear seat back lock strikers, allowing the seat back to move forward during certain hard braking conditions or a crash.

Risk: If the seat back moves forward during hard braking or in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install the seat back lock strikers if they are missing, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89898.

2019 Volvo XC40 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other7
Engine5
Service Brakes5
Air Bags4
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Structure3
Seat Belts3
Vehicle Speed Control2
Electrical System2
Power Train2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Seats1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Automatic Steering — 1
  • Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 1
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 5,110 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2019 Volvo XC40 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported May 18, 2026
The driver side liftgate strut broke; the liftgate raised normally and when reached the fully opened position it immediately started to close very rapidly, this could have easily hit someone quite hard in the head. The Liftgate was then stuck in a halfway opened position and was unable to close fully. I was able to manually raise the liftgate and when released again slammed down to a halfway open position, and sill could not close the liftgate. I raised it again and propped it open and removed the driver side lift strut and noticed that water had severely infiltrated the strut mechanism and…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 7,600 miles · reported Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated while at a stop sign or a stop light, the engine revved loudly, and the vehicle suddenly lunged forward out of control. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,600.
Service Brakes · reported May 21, 2025
The component that failed was the Brake pedal, it was unresponsive while driving on the freeway, it was hard to push and the vehicle would not come to a complete stop. My safety along with my daughter was put at risk due to nearly colliding into several vehicles due to not being able to stop vehicle. I had to tow the vehicle to the nearest shop where it is currently. During the incident the brake light came on. The shop where the vehicle is currently is stating that it appears to have a faulty Brake Vacuum Pump.
Structure · reported May 2, 2025
Under Engine Cover came loose and fall during highway driving. It tuned out that 5 bolts that suppose to secure that cover were missing (per repair shop) . Fallen cover broke on few pieces and those pieces could impact breaking and vehicle instability causing incident with injuries and fatalities.
Power Train · at 42,000 miles · reported Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that the gear shifter knob had detached. The contact stated that the knob was not welded to the lever. The contact became aware that crazy glue had been used to secure the shifter knob. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear; and while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter detached. The contact used the button to start the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and confirmed that the gear shifter knob was glued on. The knob was reglued…

Other Volvo XC40 years

Compare all Volvo XC40 years · All Volvo models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Volvo XC40 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2019 Volvo XC40: 20V-144 (forward collision avoidance), 18V-800 (electrical system), 18V-554 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-535 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Volvo XC40?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (7 reports), followed by engine (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 5,110 miles.

Are Volvo recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volvo dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.