The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes is the largest identified problem area: 6 of 30 complaints (20%) mention it. 7 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 30
- Recall campaigns
- 4
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $2,300–$3,000
- Combined MPG
- 26–27
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | vs. 2019 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,300–3,000 | 2,300–3,100 | 2,400–3,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 26–27 | 25–27 | 25–26 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 23 / 31–33 | 22–23 / 30–33 | 22–23 / 30–32 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 331–340 | 331–352 | 340–359 | |
| Complaints filed | 30 | 12 | 52 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 1 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 1 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Volvo XC40 have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Volvo XC40 get?
EPA rates it 26–27 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Volvo XC40?
EPA estimates $2,300–$3,000 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | 23 mpg | 31 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $3,000 (high) | 340 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | 23 mpg | 33 mpg (high) | 27 mpg (high) | $2,300 (low) | 331 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE:SOFTWARE:PEDESTRIAN/CYCLIST/OBJECT/OBSTACLE/ RECOGNITION; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
- Defect
- 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:SOFTWARE
- Defect
- 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:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
- Defect
- 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.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
- Defect
- Volvo Cars USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles. The rear seats may not have rear seat back lock strikers, allowing the seat back to move forward during certain hard braking conditions or a crash.
- Consequence
- If the seat back moves forward during hard braking or in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and install the seat back lock strikers if they are missing, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R89898.