NHTSA vehicle safety data

2019 Volvo XC40 Recalls & Complaints

The 2019 Volvo XC40 has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 30 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Volvo dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2019 Volvo XC40. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2019 Volvo XC40 owner complaints

Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Volvo XC40, describing incidents dated April 6, 2018 to May 17, 2026.

Most-cited components

Unknown or Other 7 complaints
Engine 5 complaints
Service Brakes 5 complaints
Air Bags 4 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance 3 complaints
Seat Belts 3 complaints

Of the 30 complaints on file, 4 report a crash; across all 30 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11738614 · Filed 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…
ODI #11720661 · Filed February 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…
ODI #11662378 · Filed 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…

Read all 30 complaints

Automatic Emergency Braking May Not Engage

NHTSA #20V144000 · Forward Collision Avoidance — Automatic Emergency Braking · NHTSA notice

Reported March 12, 2020 · Volvo Car USA LLC

Potentially affected: 121,605 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.52% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign R29998 · Owners notified April 9, 2020

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

No GPS Location in the Event of a Crash

NHTSA #18V800000 · Electrical System — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported November 13, 2018 · Volvo Car USA LLC

Potentially affected: 17,548 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.33% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign R39917 · Owners notified December 26, 2018 · Vehicles built March 24, 2016 – November 1, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Brake Pedal may be Loose

NHTSA #18V554000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Pedals and Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported August 22, 2018 · Volvo Car USA LLC

Potentially affected: 71 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign R59899 · Owners notified October 12, 2018 · Vehicles built July 6, 2018 – August 9, 2018 (per NHTSA)

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a Volvo dealer immediately.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Missing Rear Seat back Lock Strikers

NHTSA #18V535000 · Seats — Mid/Rear Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported August 15, 2018 · Volvo Car USA LLC

Potentially affected: 27 vehicles

Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Volvo campaign R89898 · Owners notified October 12, 2018 · Vehicles built June 20, 2018 – June 21, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2019 Volvo XC40. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

30 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Volvo XC40.

Structure

ODI #11738614

Incident: May 17, 2026 · Filed: 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 corroded the springs to the point of failure; the spring were broken in many places. There were no warnings or symptoms prior to the failure. I have informed Volvo of the issue but have not yet taken to a dealer for service.

Vehicle Speed Control; Engine

ODI #11720661

Incident: February 24, 2026 · Filed: February 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

ODI #11662378

Incident: May 18, 2025 · Filed: 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; Unknown or Other

ODI #11658493

Incident: March 25, 2025 · Filed: 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

ODI #11623156

Incident: October 31, 2024 · Filed: November 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; however, after going through a car wash, the knob detached again. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be held for 24 hours to see if the glue would hold the part in place. The dealer informed the contact that the gear shifter might have to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11607460

Incident: August 9, 2024 · Filed: August 9, 2024

Diagnostic code failure P0422 Evap system failure had emission testing done recently about two weeks ago . Car was service by Volvo in March 2024 and nonissues . Low mileage on car under 20k This should be recalled as many on online forums are having the same issue . Faulty manufacturing and Volvo should issue recall .

Suspension

ODI #11607078

Incident: June 25, 2024 · Filed: August 7, 2024

Both front coil springs broke with under 30,000 miles on vehicle. No warning, just a thump thump.. broken springs could have punctured the front tires. Repair costly!

Air Bags; Seat Belts

ODI #11587293

Incident: November 14, 2023 · Filed: May 6, 2024

Air bag not functioning related to seatbelt failure. Will not tighten on sudden stops.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11578754

Incident: March 21, 2024 · Filed: March 21, 2024

I stopped at a gas station and the fuel door would not open. I tried multiple times locking and unlocking the vehicle with the key fob. As I was driving home, I stopped at three other gas stations. All three times, I still could not open the fuel door. This happened when I initially purchased the car in 2019. I reported it to the Volvo dealer while standing at the gas station. I played with the key fob for about 20 minutes until it finally opened. I remember looking up this issue on the [XXX] and it had been reported numerous times. I stopped in at the Volvo dealership near me. When I told them what was happening, they asked if it was a 2024 XC40. So, the problem exists even in the current year's models. The dealership played around with the key fob, then pried the door open, I assume with a screwdriver, and charged me $50. I could have done that when I got home....for free. There is no option to open the fuel door manually, and there is no option to turn off the fuel door lock - which creates a safety issue! This car runs on gasoline. If I can't fuel my car, I am stuck. There should be an option not to lock the fuel door. I am not worried about anyone siphoning gas. I am worried about traveling on a highway or rural area and not being able to open the fuel door. I guess I'll keep a screwdriver in my car. My 2019 XC40 was the first year the car was introduced. The fact that 2024 models still have the same problem means Volvo knows the problem exists. Their mechanics know as well. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other

ODI #11563632

Incident: January 4, 2024 · Filed: January 4, 2024

My 2019 volvos' xc40 center console has been glitching and blacking out while driving. I rely on this system to navigate and when it blacks out, it does not resume operation till I restart my car. I mentioned this while getting my car serviced and was told I needed to pay a $250 fee to get my system updated and I couldn't complete the update on my own. The update can only be completed by an authorized dealer and there is a charge associated with it. This practice is negligent and unacceptable as the lack of updates results in safety concerns and is not just perk. I contacted customer service and they apologized for the inconvenience. This is not an inconvenience, it is negligent and a safety issue.

Other Volvo XC40 model years

Check your 2019 Volvo XC40 VIN

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