Last updated: 2026-10-10

Volvo XC40

Volvo XC40 Years to Avoid

6 scored model years (2019–2026) · model average 61/100

Skip the 2021 and 2023 Volvo XC40. The 2021 suffers sudden power loss and no-starts, while the 2023 has a rearview camera that keeps dropping out plus electrical faults. Buy the 2020 instead, which has far fewer complaints and only one recall.

Verdict

Avoid
2021 46/1002023 48/100
Buy
2020 71/100
Model average
61/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Volvo XC40 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Volvo XC40 average of 61/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202146/100Mixed340Electrical System (9)
2202348/100Mixed435Electrical System (8)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

46
MixedReliability score: 46 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Volvo XC40

Power cuts out without warning, sometimes while the car is moving, and it then will not restart. Owners describe shutdowns at stop lights and highway exit ramps, black screens, repeated tows, and dealers who cannot find a cause. A "propulsion system failure" message can stop the car within seconds, and failures returned after software updates.

3 recalls40 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (9), Unknown Or Other (5), Fuel Propulsion System (4), Power Train (4), Back Over Prevention (3), Service Brakes (3)

View full 2021reliability report →
48
MixedReliability score: 48 out of 100, rated Mixed

2023 Volvo XC40

Rearview camera dropouts lead the complaints. The screen reads "camera temporarily unavailable" or flickers black, with some failures at 1,000 to 5,000 miles. Dealer software updates did not stop it for several owners. Other reports include false emergency braking, a full electrical shutdown while driving, and brakes that stiffen or fail to stop the car.

4 recalls35 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (8), Back Over Prevention (7), Unknown Or Other (4), Service Brakes (3), Steering (2), Visibility Wiper (2)

View full 2023reliability report →

What Are Common Volvo XC40 Problems?

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

24 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2023, 2020

2021: All power cuts out, sometimes while the car is moving, and it then will not restart.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

17 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2019, 2023

2021: Sudden power loss follows a propulsion system failure warning in the most serious report here.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

14 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2024, 2021

2023: Reversing triggers the failure: the rearview camera shows "Camera temporarily not available," goes black, or flickers, so the view behind is partly or fully blocked.

SERVICE BRAKES

13 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2019, 2021

2023: Brakes fail to stop the vehicle, or the pedal stiffens under the driver's foot.

POWER TRAIN

8 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2020, 2019

2021: Shuddering comes first, then the car stops and loses all power, unable to move forward or in reverse.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2023

2021: Windshield cracks appear without a clear impact.

Best Volvo XC40 Year to Buy Instead

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Volvo XC40

The 2020 has far fewer owner complaints than the 2021 and 2023, and one recall against three and four. Its record is not built around repeated shutdowns or recurring camera dropouts. Its main complaint is water getting inside and disrupting electrical systems, so check for leaks before buying. It has also been on the road long enough for its record to mean something.

Score: 71/100 (Good)1 recalls10 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2020 Volvo XC40 has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Volvo XC40 Years by Generation

Volvo XC40 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Volvo XC40 years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2021 and 2023. Both rate mixed on reliability, well below the model's own average. The 2021 has sudden power loss and no-start complaints. The 2023 has repeated camera dropouts and electrical faults.
Which Volvo XC40 year has the power loss problem?
The 2021. Owners report the car shutting down, sometimes in traffic, then refusing to restart. Wheels can stay locked, so the car needs a flatbed. Repeat failures, including after software updates, are common in those reports.
Which Volvo XC40 year has the worst backup camera trouble?
The 2023. Its owners report the camera going black, flickering, or showing "Camera temporarily not available" while reversing. Some failures came at low mileage. Dealers reportedly call the fault common but have not fixed it for several owners.
Is the 2019 Volvo XC40 a good buy?
It is acceptable but not the top pick. The 2019 rates good and is not on the avoid list. Even so, it has more complaints and recalls than the 2020, with brakes and air bags among the reported areas.
Are the 2024 and 2026 Volvo XC40 safe to buy?
The 2024 rates good, with back over prevention the top complaint and three recalls on record. The 2026 has no complaints or recalls, but that mostly reflects how little time it has been on the road.

How we score every Volvo XC40 model year

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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