Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Volvo XC40 Reliability Report
The 2019 Volvo XC40 has good reliability for a compact SUV, but air bag and brake complaints and a do-not-drive recall call for a careful check.
Recalls
4
Complaints
29
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,200–$2,650
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Sits in the middle of the XC40 years, with air bag, brake and seat belt complaints and four recalls, one of them do-not-drive.
Top Issues to Watch
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
- AIR BAGS (4)
- ENGINE (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 2 of the First generation (XC40; 2018-present).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2023.
- 1st generation XC40 (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.
2018: First generation (XC40; 2018-present) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is year 2 of the First generation (XC40; 2018-present).
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2019 Volvo XC40?
Reliability standing is good, but this year does not lead its class. Against other 2019 SUVs it rates below average, and among the six scored XC40 years it sits in the middle. The 2020 model rates better, with fewer complaints and one recall.
Owners filed 29 complaints. Four involve crashes and three involve injuries. Air bags and brakes lead the list. One owner reported a knee airbag causing a severe lower-leg fracture in a low-speed crash. Others describe a brake pedal that goes hard at freeway speed, and a front-end shudder under braking at about 16,000 miles from warped rotors. Front seat belts have tightened suddenly with no hazard nearby. Federal recall records show four recalls, including one do-not-drive recall.
Ask the seller for proof that every recall was completed, especially the do-not-drive one. Review brake service history and make sure no air bag warning light comes on. If the budget allows, compare a 2020.
Compared to the 2020 Volvo XC40, which scored 11 points higher.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low complaint frequency
- +Not a first-year model
- +Only 29 complaints reported
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Pilot Assist drops out on the highway with no alert (5 complaints)
- −AIR BAGS: Problems range from the airbag warning light coming on to a deployment that... (4 complaints)
- −Safety recall: park-it advisory issued
Compare 2019 Volvo XC40 With
2019 BMW X1
Reliability: 72/100
2019 Audi Q3
Reliability: 72/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Reliability: 68/100
2019 Lexus NX
Reliability: 77/100
2019 Cadillac XT4
Reliability: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
- SERVICE BRAKES (4)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
A moderate 4 recalls are on file for the 2019 Volvo XC40. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
29
complaintsSafety Incidents
4
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Volvo XC40 Recall Details
4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Volvo XC40. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
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.
Consequence
If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Consequence
If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
Consequence
Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Buying a used 2019 Volvo XC40? Check its history first
Service brakes problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Volvo XC40, and 4 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Volvo XC40 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Volvo XC40Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3Maintenance rating: 3 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2019 Volvo XC40 Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Engine Oil Light Diagnosis | $198 – $291 |
| Brake Master Cylinder Replacement | $1,392 – $1,544 |
| Cabin Air Filter Replacement | $113 – $142 |
| Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement | $175 – $224 |
| Timing Belt Replacement | $829 – $1,132 |
| Radiator Hose Replacement | $117 – $145 |
| Control Arm Replacement | $761 – $904 |
| Transfer Case Output Shaft Oil Seal Replacement | $411 – $596 |
| Wheel Hub Assembly Replacement | $650 – $750 |
| MAP Sensor Replacement | $197 – $226 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
26–27 MPG
Fuel cost: $2,200–$2,650/yr
Fuel only
23 city / 31–33 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC40 FWD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,200 |
| XC40 AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,650 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Volvo XC40.
Use Pilot Assist on a highway and watch for drops with no warning, sudden slowing, or drifting across lane lines.
Drive in stop-and-go traffic and watch for false automatic braking or the car speeding up on its own.
Back toward a safe object and confirm the rear parking alarm sounds and reverse auto-braking engages.
Brake firmly from highway speed and feel for a hard pedal, front-end shudder, or a brake warning light.
Scan for stored codes, especially P0422, and ask for records of repeated check engine or emissions repairs.
Tug the gear shifter knob and confirm it is firmly attached and shifts cleanly into every gear.
With a passenger in the front seat, confirm the airbag warning light stays off for the whole drive.
Watch the center screen for blackouts during the test drive and ask whether the dealer has applied software updates.
2019 Volvo XC40 Common Problems by Component
29 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsPilot Assist drops out on the highway with no alert. Most reports tie this to faded lane lines or sun glare on the camera. Sometimes the system shuts off completely, throttle control included, so the car slows unexpectedly and the only sign is dash icons disappearing. Trying to turn it back on right away usually brings an "unavailable" message. Other reports describe a center screen that goes black while driving and stays dark until a restart, and an engine that shuts off and restarts on its own at stop lights in a nearly new car.
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsSafety-relatedThe brake pedal turns hard and unresponsive at freeway speed, the brake light comes on, and the car will not stop fully. A shop suspected the brake vacuum pump. In a separate fault, the front end shudders under braking at about 16,000 miles, and both an independent shop and the dealer found warped rotors on all four wheels just after the warranty ran out. The rear parking alarm and reverse auto-braking also fail to activate, and one owner backed into a parked car.
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedProblems range from the airbag warning light coming on to a deployment that caused injury. In one low-speed crash, the knee airbag caused a severe lower-leg fracture. The warning light also comes on when the front passenger sits on a lumbar support cushion, which deactivates the occupant sensor. A dealer says the only way around it is disabling the sensor, which is illegal. Another report describes the airbag system failing at 2,400 miles. Another ties an airbag fault to a seat belt that does not tighten in sudden stops.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsThe check engine or emissions light keeps coming back. Reports describe repeat dealer visits in which the same part is replaced twice and the software is updated and fully reloaded, yet the light returns. Another car under 20k miles sets code P0422, an evaporative emissions system fault. These reports involve warning lights and emissions faults, not loss of power or stalling.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsSafety-relatedAfter a minor front-end hit from a deer, the car shuts down into "Safety Mode" and will not move for about 2 minutes on a rural interstate. Limp-home power returns only after that. A separate fault involves the gear shifter knob coming off the lever. A dealer found it held on with glue. It was reglued and came off again after a car wash. The car also fails to shift into gear.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedThe front belts tighten suddenly with no hazard nearby, in one case while stopped at a light, bruising a passenger's neck. A crash report describes the opposite problem. The belt does not tighten and the driver-side airbags do not deploy when the car hits a wall during parking, and the driver reports sudden acceleration despite full braking. That crash left the driver treated for neck, arm, and leg pain. Both complaints involve injury.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsAutomatic emergency braking triggers when the car hits standing water while accelerating. The car swerves out of control and strikes roadside objects. In another report, the car speeds up on its own while slowing to about 20 mph. Warning lights and beeps go off, and the steering wheel turns by itself. The problem happens many times, yet the shop finds no fault codes and blames a glitch. Both reports describe loss of control.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsThe IntelliSafe system brakes hard with nothing ahead, repeatedly, including after a dealer repair attempt. It also misreads passing traffic as a rear collision and cinches the seat belt hard enough to injure the driver's chest. In another report, Pilot Assist steers the car into the opposite lane and changes lanes on its own at 1,450 miles. Dealers cannot find a cause and offer no remedy.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintThe 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.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintUnder 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.
Best & Worst Volvo XC40 Years
Best Volvo XC40 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2020
2024
2019
(Current Model)
Volvo XC40 Years to Avoid
Volvo XC40 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 76/100 | Good |
Volvo XC40 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Volvo XC40 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Volvo XC40?
Does the 2019 Volvo XC40 have brake problems?
Does the 2019 Volvo XC40 have recalls?
Is the 2020 Volvo XC40 more reliable than the 2019?
Don’t buy a 2019 Volvo XC40 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Volvo XC40
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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