Volvo XC40
Dual-motor configuration for the XC40/C40 Recharge Twin Motor with one electric motor per axle. 300 kW system output from the 78 kWh battery pack with all-wheel drive through torque vectoring. High charging power up to 150 kW DC; for sporting demands with low emissions.
Electric AWD fun
300 kW dual-motor all-wheel drive: instant torque, silent sprint. Surprisingly sharp for an SUV of this class.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Volvo recalled over 2,000 XC40 Recharge vehicles in 2021 due to a software fault in the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). Sudden complete loss of drive power while driving was possible.
Same BECM/BDU problem as the single-motor model. On the twin-motor variant both motors can be affected. The HV battery is disconnected by the system and the vehicle is no longer driveable.
Symptoms: 'Propulsion System Service Urgent', no drive, multiple system warnings simultaneously
Volvo recalled certain XC40 Recharge model years 2021–2022 because the BECM microprocessor can reset and spontaneously disconnect the high-voltage system — a serious safety risk while driving.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss while driving, all HV warnings simultaneously, vehicle cuts out
The XC40 Recharge can completely drain the 12V auxiliary battery within a week of standing. Volvo has released software updates; older vehicles should be brought up to the latest software version.
Symptoms: Car does not respond after standing time, no start possible, all systems dead
The Android-based infotainment in the XC40 Recharge was particularly prone to crashes, frozen screens, incorrect time display and profile loss in early model years. Over-the-air updates gradually improved the situation.
Symptoms: Frozen touchscreen, profile reset, connectivity problems, app crashes
The Google-based infotainment system of the XC40 Recharge shows frequent crashes, freezes and connectivity dropouts. Usually not a safety concern, but very disruptive in daily use.
Symptoms: Black screen, app crashes, Android Auto / Apple CarPlay not working, voice control unresponsive
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
The XC40 I was subject to a recall: faulty welds in the hydraulic brake unit can disable ABS, ESC and automatic emergency braking. Before purchase, check whether the recall has been carried out.
On the XC40 Recharge and T5 Twin Engine, a sudden high-voltage shutdown occurs in rare cases. The vehicle abruptly loses electric drive assistance and warning lights illuminate. The cause is a fault in the high-voltage electronics.
Some XC40 I vehicles with Powershift dual-clutch gearbox show juddering on pull-away and hesitant gear changes. The phenomenon occurs especially at low temperatures and low speeds.
Sills and the front axle subframe show early rust, particularly on vehicles from road-salt regions. Transitions at sills and the underbody were not optimally sealed at the factory.
Three-cylinder models from 2018 and 2019 may fail to restart after start-stop activation. A software update at the Volvo dealer fixes the problem permanently.
On the XC40 I (D3, T4, T5) the A/C compressor fails prematurely. Typically audible from as early as 20,000–50,000 km by rattling when the A/C is switched on. Repair requires compressor replacement, filter change and system flush.
The XC40 I infotainment system freezes or crashes, especially on models from 2018–2020. Bluetooth pairing and climate control are also affected. Software updates improve stability.
Electronic door handles fail after 30,000–45,000 km, particularly in extreme temperatures. All variants of the first-generation XC40 are affected.
Creaking or squeaking driver's seats are a frequently reported comfort issue on the XC40 I. The noises originate at the seat runners or seat connections and can often only be resolved by realignment or bearing replacement.
Reports & Tests
7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2017–2024). Most reported: Brakes (3), Other (2), Backup Camera/Sensors (2).