2021 Volvo XC40 recalls and problems
The 2021 Volvo XC40 has 5 safety recalls and 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volvo dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2021 Volvo XC40 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2021 Volvo XC40 recalls
Recall 25V-908: Back Over Prevention
Problem: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Carâs customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10333. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 16, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recall number 25V282. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V282 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Recall 25V-282: Back Over Prevention
Problem: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10320.
Recall 21V-881: Engine, Structure
Problem: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2021 XC40 BEV vehicles. A bolt that secures the cross-member bracket for the electrical motor in the engine compartment may be loose or missing.
Risk: A loose or missing bolt may decrease the structural protection of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cross-member bracket and install new bracket bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R10128.
Recall 21V-682: Seat Belts
Problem: Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-888-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10111.
Recall 21V-109: Electrical System
Problem: 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.
2021 Volvo XC40 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 14 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 8 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 8 | |
| Unknown or Other | 7 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | |
| Service Brakes | 4 | |
| Engine | 3 | |
| Structure | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 3
- Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 3
- Lane Departure › Assist — 2
- Lane Departure › Warning — 2
- Structure › Body — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
- Back Over Prevention › Automatic System Braking — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,000 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 2021 Volvo XC40 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volvo XC40 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Volvo XC40 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Volvo XC40: 25V-908 (back over prevention), 25V-282 (back over prevention), 21V-881 (engine, structure), 21V-682 (seat belts), 21V-109 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Volvo XC40?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (14 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,000 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.