2021 Volvo XC40: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Volvo XC40: 5 recalls, 52 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #21V109000 · 2021 · 2,278 vehicles
What's wrong: The battery energy control module (becm) microprocessor May reset and cause the high voltage system to disconnect.
Why it matters: A disconnected high voltage system can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Volvo car will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update, free of charge. The recall began March 30, 2021.
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V682000 · 2021 · 19,149 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt automatic locking retractors May deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 13, 2021.
Body & structure, Engine Vehicle recall #21V881000 · 2021 · 4 vehicles
What's wrong: A bolt that secures the cross-member bracket for the electrical motor in the engine compartment May be loose or missing.
Why it matters: A loose or missing bolt May decrease the structural protection of the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the cross-member bracket and install new bracket bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2021.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V282000 · 2025 · 413,151 vehicles
What's wrong: The rearview camera image May not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (ota) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #25V908000 · 2025 · 413,151 vehicles
What's wrong: The rearview camera image May not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (ota) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026.
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.
What owners describe
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), warning light on (4), door / lock issues (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Backup camera (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (7): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
The 2021 Volvo XC40 has 52 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 9 XC40 model years for complaints (2.2× the average XC40 year). Complaints peaked in 2021 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 7,625 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (12 complaints, 1 recalls), 2022 (37 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Premium |
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 2021 Volvo XC40.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Volvo XC40 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2021 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 2021 Volvo XC40 problems?
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (14), fuel & propulsion (10), backup camera (8).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Volvo XC40 get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 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.