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2020 Volvo XC40 Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller

Complaint Summary

The 2020 Volvo XC40 has 13 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking and electrical system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

8.3/ 10

Based on 13 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 15.4%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 15.4%

SEAT BELTS

1 7.7%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 7.7%

SERVICE BRAKES

1 7.7%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, accounting for 15.4% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 11 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Volvo XC40

The 2020 Volvo XC40 has 13 owner complaints in this dataset. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING is the most common complaint category, representing about 15% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2020 Volvo XC40 are FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (2), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2), SEAT BELTS (1).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 5 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2020 Volvo XC40?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2019 XC40 complaints2021 XC40 complaints2022 XC40 complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 11 of 11 systems

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Almost once a month my car with think there is something in front of it and activate the emergency brakes. It causes huge strain to the brakes and almost makes me crash and puts the people in front of me and behind me at risk. I've turned the setting to a lower sensitivity to try to avoid this but it doesn't matter. The car does the worst on turns as well and thinks cars in the opposite lanes while turning are in your lane and will cause the system to react. On small roads the car will try to move your car to correct in the lane but it's too small and runs the risk of going off the road or go into oncoming traffic. Most of the time I just have to turn this setting off entirely since it's more dangerous than helpful.

2/24/2022

Vehicle suddenly puts on the brakes, for no reason. Has happened 3 times, 2 in parking lots and 1 while driving down the road, suddenly swerved for no reason. Could cause injuries to driver and passenger.

4/28/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

The electrical system on my car apparently failed, which rendered the car unable to start and drive. Park Place Volvo claims that there is water, that penetrated the seals, from underneath the car. Although there were no visible signs of water, Volvo claims that the rain caused this issue. Volvo has refused to honor a warranty for the alleged defective seals, and sent my car to its collision center.

8/26/2022

During night rainstorm, front and rear wipers, turn signals and high beams all failed. This was the result of a design defect that allows water from panoramic moonroof to drain into the floor where it compromises electrical connections and modules. In addition to potentially catastrophic safety component (wipers, high beams and turn signals) failures, the water damage compromised the seat belts, as well, which also required repairs. Insurance adjuster confided that this is a frequent, common problem. Repairs took 10 days and cost $8700! Both the insurance adjuster and the dealer stated that there is no maintenance procedure an owner can do to avoid this problem.

4/9/2024

SEAT BELTS

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ISSUE1: A FEW WEEKS AGO WHILE MY WIFE HAD STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WITHOUT ANY PROVOCATION, HER SEATBELT WENT INTO CRASH MODE, TIGHTENING SIGNIFICANTLY AND LOCKING. THIS WAS TO THE POINT THAT SHE FELT BEING SUFFOCATED FROM PRESSURE ON HER ABDOMEN AND CHEST. FORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION, OTHERWISE, THE SEATBELT TIGHTENING AND LOCK COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. THE LOCK RELEASED AFTER 30 SECONDS AND SHE COULD OPEN THE SEAT BELT. SHE HAD CHEST PAIN FOR A FEW DAYS AFTER THIS INCIDENT. ISSUE 2: THREE DAYS AGO WHEN MY WIFE WAS REMOVING GROCERIES FROM THE TRUNK OF THE CAR, AND WHILE THE ENGINE WAS OFF, SUDDENLY THE TRUNK DOOR RELEASED ITSELF AND HIT HER ON THE HEAD WITH FULL FORCE. THIS DOOR IS SUPPOSED TO CLOSE ONLY WHEN A SWITCH INSIDE THE TRUNK IS TRIGGERED OR WHEN THE KEY IS USED TO CLOSE THE TRUNK DOOR. NEITHER WAS ENGAGED AT THE TIME AS SHE STILL HAD ITEMS TO REMOVE FROM THE TRUNK. SHE HAS SERIOUS NECK PAIN AND NAUSEA FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE ABOVE INCIDENTS APPEAR TO BE CAUSED BY SOME SORT OF COMPUTER MALFUNCTION. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT REPETITION OF THESE INCIDENTS WHICH HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND HARM FOR WHICH WE HOLD VOLVO RESPONSIBLE. ISSUES 2 AND 3 ARE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN. SEATBELT LOCK-UP AND SEVERE TIGHTENING DURING DRIVE CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT. THE TRUNK DOOR RELEASING ITSELF SUDDENLY CAN BREAK SOMEONE'S NECK OR CAUSE HEAD INJURY TO US OR GROCERY STORE STAFF WHO HELP US LOAD GROCERIES. INACTION WILL DEFINITELY CONSTITUTE NEGLIGENCE.

1/14/2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ISSUE1: A FEW WEEKS AGO WHILE MY WIFE HAD STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WITHOUT ANY PROVOCATION, HER SEATBELT WENT INTO CRASH MODE, TIGHTENING SIGNIFICANTLY AND LOCKING. THIS WAS TO THE POINT THAT SHE FELT BEING SUFFOCATED FROM PRESSURE ON HER ABDOMEN AND CHEST. FORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION, OTHERWISE, THE SEATBELT TIGHTENING AND LOCK COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. THE LOCK RELEASED AFTER 30 SECONDS AND SHE COULD OPEN THE SEAT BELT. SHE HAD CHEST PAIN FOR A FEW DAYS AFTER THIS INCIDENT. ISSUE 2: THREE DAYS AGO WHEN MY WIFE WAS REMOVING GROCERIES FROM THE TRUNK OF THE CAR, AND WHILE THE ENGINE WAS OFF, SUDDENLY THE TRUNK DOOR RELEASED ITSELF AND HIT HER ON THE HEAD WITH FULL FORCE. THIS DOOR IS SUPPOSED TO CLOSE ONLY WHEN A SWITCH INSIDE THE TRUNK IS TRIGGERED OR WHEN THE KEY IS USED TO CLOSE THE TRUNK DOOR. NEITHER WAS ENGAGED AT THE TIME AS SHE STILL HAD ITEMS TO REMOVE FROM THE TRUNK. SHE HAS SERIOUS NECK PAIN AND NAUSEA FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE ABOVE INCIDENTS APPEAR TO BE CAUSED BY SOME SORT OF COMPUTER MALFUNCTION. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT REPETITION OF THESE INCIDENTS WHICH HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND HARM FOR WHICH WE HOLD VOLVO RESPONSIBLE. ISSUES 2 AND 3 ARE OF PARTICULAR CONCERN. SEATBELT LOCK-UP AND SEVERE TIGHTENING DURING DRIVE CAN CAUSE ACCIDENT. THE TRUNK DOOR RELEASING ITSELF SUDDENLY CAN BREAK SOMEONE'S NECK OR CAUSE HEAD INJURY TO US OR GROCERY STORE STAFF WHO HELP US LOAD GROCERIES. INACTION WILL DEFINITELY CONSTITUTE NEGLIGENCE.

1/14/2020

SERVICE BRAKES

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

My XC40 has 24, 500 miles on it, and it has already had three sets of brake rotors replaced. The dealership reported "warped rotors" on my front brake rotors in the summer of 2021 at 15,000 miles and replaced them. Now at 24,500 miles, both the front and rear rotors were again "warped" and replaced by the dealership noting that the "rotors had pad transfer marks".

2/24/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Almost once a month my car with think there is something in front of it and activate the emergency brakes. It causes huge strain to the brakes and almost makes me crash and puts the people in front of me and behind me at risk. I've turned the setting to a lower sensitivity to try to avoid this but it doesn't matter. The car does the worst on turns as well and thinks cars in the opposite lanes while turning are in your lane and will cause the system to react. On small roads the car will try to move your car to correct in the lane but it's too small and runs the risk of going off the road or go into oncoming traffic. Most of the time I just have to turn this setting off entirely since it's more dangerous than helpful.

2/24/2022

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Almost once a month my car with think there is something in front of it and activate the emergency brakes. It causes huge strain to the brakes and almost makes me crash and puts the people in front of me and behind me at risk. I've turned the setting to a lower sensitivity to try to avoid this but it doesn't matter. The car does the worst on turns as well and thinks cars in the opposite lanes while turning are in your lane and will cause the system to react. On small roads the car will try to move your car to correct in the lane but it's too small and runs the risk of going off the road or go into oncoming traffic. Most of the time I just have to turn this setting off entirely since it's more dangerous than helpful.

2/24/2022

AIR BAGS

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Air Bags did not deploy when car hit another vehicle that failed to stop and DUI. Volvo was traveling at 35MPH and vehicle hit was traveling 35+. Vehicle is available for inspection at this time. Driver experiencing bodily injuries (neck, shoulders, back, ribs, and legs, etc. as well as affects of a concussion. I am not sure who to contact to inspect the vehicle. Please call me at 951-973-3035 or email me with who can help me with this. No warning prior to failure.

9/29/2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2020 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the speedometer and the infotainment system screen turned blank. The vehicle then lost motive power. The electronic stability program (ESP) warning light was illuminated. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road, and the contact arrived at the scene. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the software control module and SRS air bags malfunction, which caused the vehicle to believe it was involved in a crash and to shut off automatically. The dealer determined there were no signs of a crash and performed a software update; however, the failure recurred while his wife was driving. The message "12V Battery Low Charge" was displayed. The contact's wife pulled into a parking lot and was able to restart the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,453.

3/27/2023

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

During night rainstorm, front and rear wipers, turn signals and high beams all failed. This was the result of a design defect that allows water from panoramic moonroof to drain into the floor where it compromises electrical connections and modules. In addition to potentially catastrophic safety component (wipers, high beams and turn signals) failures, the water damage compromised the seat belts, as well, which also required repairs. Insurance adjuster confided that this is a frequent, common problem. Repairs took 10 days and cost $8700! Both the insurance adjuster and the dealer stated that there is no maintenance procedure an owner can do to avoid this problem.

4/9/2024

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report8% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

During night rainstorm, front and rear wipers, turn signals and high beams all failed. This was the result of a design defect that allows water from panoramic moonroof to drain into the floor where it compromises electrical connections and modules. In addition to potentially catastrophic safety component (wipers, high beams and turn signals) failures, the water damage compromised the seat belts, as well, which also required repairs. Insurance adjuster confided that this is a frequent, common problem. Repairs took 10 days and cost $8700! Both the insurance adjuster and the dealer stated that there is no maintenance procedure an owner can do to avoid this problem.

4/9/2024

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Volvo XC40?

The most reported complaint category for the 2020 Volvo XC40 is FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, with 2 owner reports. That is about 15% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS.

Are complaints about the 2020 Volvo XC40 a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 5 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Volvo XC40?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2020 Volvo XC40 severe?

5 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Volvo XC40: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
13
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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