repaired · 2022 Q1
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking
Risk. If the automatic emergency braking system does not engage as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
2020 Volvo XC40Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2020 Volvo XC40, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 20V-144 the manufacturer reports only 98% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 19, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Volvo XC40 has problems
12 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Electrical system
3Power train
3Service brakes
3Engine
2Forward collision avoidance
1Air bags
1Visibility/wiper
1Back over prevention
1Exterior lighting
22 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2020 Volvo XC40 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Volvo.
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other XC40 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the XC40 median. How we score
'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What XC40 owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The cooling system cracked, malfunctioned and caused a domino effect of multiple repair issues costing at least $5,200. My car is currently at a Volvo dealer. My Safety: The possibility of the hot engine and hot wires could have resulted in a fire. This problem HAS been reproduced and confirmed by…
During night rainstorm, front and rear wipers, turn signals and high beams all failed. This was the result of a design defect that allows water from panoramic moonroof to drain into the floor where it compromises electrical connections and modules. In addition to potentially catastrophic safety…
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer and the infotainment system screen turned blank. The vehicle then lost motive power. The electronic stability program (ESP) warning light was illuminated. The contact's…
Own a 2020 XC40?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.