MotorDeets

2020 Volvo XC40: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2020 Volvo XC40: 1 recall, 12 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
12owner complaints
1mention a crash
27best combined mpg
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Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Forward collision avoidance, Forward collision avoidance Vehicle recall #20V144000 · 2020 · 121,605 vehicles

What's wrong: Due to a software/hardware incompatibility, the automatic emergency brake (aeb) system May not detect obstacles and engage as intended.

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

The fix: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will update the active safety domain master (asdm) software, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2020.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical4
Brakes3
Transmission & drivetrain3
Engine3
Forward collision avoidance2
Seat belts1
Other / unknown1
Lane departure1

What owners describe

The 2020 Volvo XC40 has 12 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 9 XC40 model years for complaints (well below the 24 average). Complaints peaked in 2022 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 15,476 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (30 complaints, 4 recalls), 2021 (52 complaints, 5 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive233327Regular
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive223025Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Volvo XC40.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2020 Volvo XC40 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2020 Volvo XC40 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2020 Volvo XC40 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2020 Volvo XC40 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2020 Volvo XC40 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2020 Volvo XC40. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2020 Volvo XC40 problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (4), brakes (3), transmission & drivetrain (3).

What gas mileage does the 2020 Volvo XC40 get?

EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2020 Volvo XC40 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other XC40 years

201720182019202020212022202320242025