Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 3 NHTSA variants

2019 Volvo XC40Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 30 owner complaints for the 2019 Volvo XC40. Most complaints involve engine (5) and service brakes (5). The EPA rates it 26–27 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
26–27mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Mar 2020
Owner complaints
30
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park It: do not driveFree remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Aug 22, 2018NHTSA 18V554000

Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking

Free remedy

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.

Forward collision avoidanceReported Mar 12, 2020NHTSA 20V144000

Electrical system: software

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Nov 13, 2018NHTSA 18V800000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

30 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2018 – May 2026
  1. Engine5
  2. Service brakes5
  3. Air bags4
  4. Structure3
  5. Seat belts3
  6. Forward collision avoidance3
  7. Vehicle speed control2
  8. Power train2
  9. Fuel/propulsion system2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each XC40 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201930
202012
202140
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

5 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated while at a stop sign or a stop light, the engine revved loudly, and the vehicle suddenly lunged forward out of control. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,600.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 26, 2026Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11720661

Service brakes

5 reports2 crashes
“The component that failed was the Brake pedal, it was unresponsive while driving on the freeway, it was hard to push and the vehicle would not come to a complete stop. My safety along with my daughter was put at risk due to nearly colliding into several vehicles due to not being able to stop vehicle. I had to tow the vehicle to the nearest shop where it is currently. During the incident the brake light came on. The shop where the vehicle is currently is stating that it appears to have a faulty Brake Vacuum Pump.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 21, 2025Service brakesODI 11662378

Air bags

4 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, while his wife was seated in the passenger’s side front seat using an orthopedic back support, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while not using the back support, the air bag sensor worked as designed. The contact stated that his wife used the back support due to physical issues and had used the lumbar support cushion to ease pain. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who advised that the only way to stop the sensor from being deactivated by the lumbar cushion was deactivating the sensor which was illegal. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 1, 2023Air bagsODI 11504901
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
XC40 FWD
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
233327$2,300331
XC40 AWD
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
233126$3,000340
  • XC40 FWD
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 33 hwy · $2,300/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • XC40 AWD
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    23 city · 31 hwy · $3,000/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Volvo XC40 as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 13172Vehicle 13171
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2019 XC40 questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Volvo XC40 have?

4 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2019 Volvo XC40 problems?

Owners filed 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (5), service brakes (5), air bags (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Volvo XC40 get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Volvo XC40 at 26–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026