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2019 Volvo XC40 VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2019 Volvo XC40 has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 29 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Volvo XC40. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Service Brakes (4), Air Bags (4).

XC40 reliability snapshot

60/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.0/5
RepairPal rating (overall)

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Volvo XC40 before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2019 Volvo XC40 issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Unknown Or Other5
  • Service Brakes4
  • Air Bags4
  • Power Train2
  • Engine2
  • Seat Belts2

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Volvo XC40

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect brake discs for warping and shuddering during a test drive
  • Test airbag system functionality and check for warning lights
  • Verify forward collision avoidance system operates correctly
  • Check gear shifter knob for secure attachment
  • Test IntelliSafe system for unintended braking or lane drift
  • Ensure fuel door opens reliably with the key fob

What owners reported

2019 Volvo XC40 owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 4 crashes and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 Volvo XC40. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints5

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report two main issues with the 2019 Volvo XC40 related to the vehicle's electronic systems. The center console display is described as glitching and blacking out while driving, requiring a vehicle restart to resume operation, and the necessary software update to fix this issue is only available through a dealer at a cost. Additionally, multiple owners describe the Pilot Assist system disengaging unexpectedly without warning, particularly when lane markings are not visible or the camera system is affected by sunlight, with some noting the lack of adequate alerts when this occurs. These issues are mentioned in vehicles with low mileage, sometimes under 3,000 miles, and pose potential safety implications due to sudden loss of navigation and driving assistance features.

Owner complaints4

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2019 Volvo XC40 report issues with the service brakes, with complaints highlighting unresponsive brake pedals and warped brake discs. One owner describes a brake pedal that becomes hard to push, failing to stop the vehicle and nearly resulting in collisions, attributed to a faulty brake vacuum pump. Another owner reports warped brake discs at approximately 16,000 miles, causing shuddering when braking, which required disc resurfacing to resolve. Safety implications are evident in a crash incident where the backup braking system failed, leading to a collision with a parked vehicle; this issue was later addressed by a recall. These complaints indicate potential brake system reliability concerns, especially for used car buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints4

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2019 Volvo XC40 report several issues with the airbag system. Complaints frequently mention problems with airbag deployment, including one incident where airbags deployed during a low-speed crash into a garage, resulting in a significant injury due to the knee airbag. Another owner describes an airbag warning light activation when using an orthopedic back support, which does not occur without the support. A third complaint highlights a failure of the airbag system at approximately 2,400 miles, with the owner expressing fear of driving the vehicle. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning airbag deployment and sensor sensitivity, with mileage issues appearing as early as 2,400 miles and as late as 26,000 miles.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints2

ENGINE

Owners report recurring issues with the check engine emissions light in the 2019 Volvo XC40, requiring multiple service visits. Complaints frequently mention that the light returns despite part replacements and software updates, with one owner noting the issue began in summer 2018 and recurred in summer 2019. Another owner describes a diagnostic code failure related to the evaporative emissions system at under 20,000 miles, suggesting a potential pattern of similar issues discussed in online forums. No safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are reported in these complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of these emissions-related concerns, particularly in vehicles with low mileage.

Owner complaints2

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2019 Volvo XC40 report issues with the gear shifter knob detaching, which is described as being inadequately secured with glue rather than properly welded. This problem occurs around the 42,000-mile mark and results in the vehicle failing to shift into gear. Additionally, there is a report of the vehicle entering 'Safety Mode' and shutting down after minor front-end damage from a collision with a deer, which temporarily prevented the vehicle from being moved to a safe location. These incidents suggest potential safety implications, particularly in the case involving a crash where the vehicle was immobilized on a rural interstate.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints2

SEAT BELTS

Owners of the 2019 Volvo XC40 report issues with the seat belt system, with two distinct problems noted. In one case, a crash occurred where the seat belt failed to engage during sudden unintended acceleration, resulting in an injury despite the driver's attempt to brace themselves. Another report describes the front seat belts activating without apparent cause while the vehicle was stationary at a traffic light, leading to a passenger's neck being bruised. These incidents highlight potential safety implications, including the risk of injury during unexpected seat belt engagement or failure to engage in critical situations. No specific mileage or timeline patterns emerge from these complaints.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints2

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners of the 2019 Volvo XC40 report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly the automatic emergency braking feature. Complaints frequently mention unintended activation of the braking system, especially when encountering road conditions like accumulated water, which leads to vehicle swerving and loss of control, resulting in minor to significant body damage. Additionally, some owners describe the forward collision avoidance system failing to operate correctly, with symptoms including unexpected acceleration, illuminated warning indicators, and independent steering wheel movement. These issues are reported at low mileages, around 2,000 miles, and may persist despite software updates. Such problems have led to accidents and highlight potential safety implications for prospective buyers.

Owner complaints2

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report issues with the 2019 Volvo XC40's IntelliSafe system, specifically involving the automatic braking feature activating without cause. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle suddenly applying brakes at various speeds, even when no obstacles are present, which has occurred multiple times, sometimes nearly causing rear-end collisions. Additionally, one owner describes the seat belt tightening excessively during a false rear collision alert, leading to physical injury. Another owner reports problems with the Pilot Assist feature, where the vehicle drifts into opposite lanes or changes lanes erroneously. These issues are noted at low mileage, around 1,450 miles, and present potential safety implications such as unintended braking and loss of lane control.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

2019 XC40 recalls (4)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 XC40. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 18V554000Aug 22, 2018
    Do not drive — park immediately

    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.

  2. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 20V144000Mar 12, 2020

    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.

  3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 18V800000Nov 13, 2018

    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.

  4. SEATSNHTSA 18V535000Aug 15, 2018

    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.

How the 2019 Volvo XC40 stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2019 Volvo XC40

The 2019 Volvo XC40 demonstrates moderate reliability, with its score falling below the segment average. Complaints are somewhat dispersed, with notable issues in the "unknown or other" category, as well as concerns with service brakes and air bags. This distribution suggests that no single aspect dominates the vehicle's reliability challenges.

The recall count for the 2019 XC40 is elevated, indicating more frequent manufacturer interventions compared to competitors. While the vehicle is in its second year of the generation, these issues suggest a need for vigilance from potential buyers.

Overall, the 2019 Volvo XC40 presents an elevated reliability risk, warranting careful consideration for those prioritizing dependability.

What you get in a 2019 Volvo XC40 report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2019 Volvo XC40 — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Volvo XC40 reliable?

The 2019 Volvo XC40 demonstrates moderate reliability, with its score falling below the segment average. Complaints are somewhat dispersed, with notable issues in the "unknown or other" category, as well as concerns with service brakes and air bags. This distribution suggests that no single aspect dominates the vehicle's reliability challenges.

How many recalls does the 2019 Volvo XC40 have?

4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Volvo XC40. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2019 Volvo XC40 problems?

The most-reported 2019 Volvo XC40 problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Service Brakes (4), Air Bags (4).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Volvo XC40?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Volvo XC40, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.