Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm
Lemberg Law is a consumer law firm helping victims of bad manufacturing and run-arounds from auto companies. We are ranked A+ by the BBB. Call our Helpline today! There is no charge unless we win.
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is a luxury SUV that’s hailed for its opulent design and style. The automaker even claims that it is made “on your terms.” However, most customers wouldn’t opt for a faulty electrical system, dangerous seats, malfunctioning service brakes or a glitchy forward collision avoidance system, but that’s what they got.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2020 2021 2021
Contents
Don’t be stuck with a lemon. You have legal rights to cash, return or buyback.
The law makes Volvo pay legal fees.
We've fixed thousands of lemon problems. Message or call 877-795-3666 today.
NHTSA Complaints for the 2019 Volvo XC40
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Engine | |
| Air Bags | |
| Electrical System | |
| Seat Belts | |
| Steering | |
| Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger | |
| Power Train | |
| Structure:body |
Problems with the Steering
Luxury vehicles are held to a higher standard, but this Volvo XC40 simply fails. Customers continue to complain about trouble with the electrical system.
One Edmunds review states, “Within a week, I received a notification the airbag system had failed. They replaced the sensor, same problem came back two weeks later. They had my car for almost a month trying to fix it. Now, a month later, same sensor has failed, I get notifications about the brake system failing, one tire pressure sensor is faulty, and various interior panels keep popping off. Working with Volvo right now to get them to buy my car back as part of Michigan’s lemon law, so disappointing. I will never buy a Volvo again.”
It turns out that the electrical system malfunctions run deep enough to put people in danger. In fact, NHTSA Campaign Number 18V800000 states that some models have faulty Vehicle Connectivity Module software that prevents GPS location from being used for emergency help after an accident. Driving this Volvo XC40 is like playing hide and go seek with emergency personnel.
Problems with the Brakes
What would cause an accident that requires roadside support? A crash could occur if the brakes don’t work right, but what are the chances of that? Pretty likely, it turns out.
Another Edmunds user says, “My issue is with ABS and Electronic Stability control- both go off and on every time it is driven. Each time I take it to the dealership they fix the problem, 2 weeks later it pops up again.”
However, it’s clear that the problems go deeper once again. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V554000 says that some models are equipped with brake pedals that weren’t properly riveted, meaning they can move out of their position and hinder braking performance. If a driver can’t brake, an accident is inevitable. This condition is so serious that Volvo told customers not to drive their vehicles at all, but to have it towed to the shop instead. How is this all done “on your terms?” Who would choose this?
Problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance
One of the advanced safety features on some vehicles is the forward collision avoidance systems. It is designed to help prevent accidents, but Volvo XC40 owners find it causing more trouble.
An NHTSA complaint states, “The contact owns a 2019 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance feature failed to operate properly. While slowing the vehicle down to 20 mph, the vehicle would begin accelerating independently. All the warning indicators started to illuminate, a beeping noise occurred, and the steering wheel would redirect independently. The failure recurred numerous times. The contact took the vehicle to [dealership] to be diagnosed, but no failure codes were found. The technician informed the contact that there must be a glitch and the service manager stated that there was no failure with the vehicle. The technician updated the software. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.”
This is another system that is facing a recall, this time affecting more than 120,000 vehicles. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V144000 has a software and hardware incompatibility that causes the AEB system to miss obstacles that should cause the system to engage. If the system doesn’t engage, drivers could easily run into an obstacle, causing an accident. Apparently, Volvo XC40 owners have requested to drive an overpriced luxury SUV that’s also dangerous, because that’s the only reason the automaker would claim it was created on the customer’s terms.
Problems with the Seats
Many people don’t factor in the importance of the seats in a vehicle, but comfort should be paramount. However, seats can be more than just uncomfortable, but also deadly.
Here’s an example based on an NHTSA review. “I was at the Denver Car Show and looked at this model. With the rear hatch up, the rear seats can be folded down via a button/latch when reaching in to the back. The rep demonstrated this maneuver and the seats released so forcefully with a slam that it could (and eventually will) injure or kill a child or pet severely. I was shocked at the snap-like force and loud bang onto the seat once released. When standing on the ground and reaching in the back of the vehicle, one also cannot see what is in the back seat before pushing the button, making matters worse.”
One last recall talks about further trouble with the seats. NHTSA Campaign Number 18V535000 illustrates how some models were constructed without rear seat back lock strikers, allowing the seat to move freely when braking hard. If this occurs during an accident, the occupant could be injured. It seems as though Volvo thinks customers want to spend all their time at the shop having recall repairs because issuing these safety recalls is about all it is doing right.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Volvo pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Complaint Data
| Category | Seat Belts |
| Date | Mar 24, 2023 |
| State | VA |
| Description | Front seat belts came on suddenly while stopped at light. Bruised front passengers neck. No car in front or near in rear. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Feb 28, 2023 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The first incident happened back in oct 2022. I took the car to local volvo dealer, rusnak pasadena, and they said I needed the secondary battery replaced. They replaced it and the car worked for a few weeks until the alarm regarding the power steering failure came on again while my wife was turning left. I brought the car home carefully since it was a short distance from home. My wife was very scared because she almost had an accident and she doesn't want to drive it any more…. We didn't drive the car for more than a month. On jan 5, 2023, I took the car to the rusnak dealer in pasadena ca. And they diagnosed it as: “internal failure in power steering rack†needed replacement (see attached). They quoted me more than ,350 to be fixed and they were not sure if warranty of 4 years would cover it. We then took it to jk volvo specialists, who I have known for years . They made a special order via rusnak volvo for the steering gear unit and it took two weeks to get it …see attached invoice that details the repairs needed to be replaced and total cost of 00. This caused us to have to rent a car for a week, while we waited for the part to arrive. An additional 5. We believe that the failure of this electrical power steering, was not due to our neglect or error, and according to nhtsa report which states : “electrical system malfunctions run deep enough to put people in danger, and in fact campaign number 18v00000 states that some models, such as xc40, have faulty vehicle connectivity module software..." |
| Category | Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger |
| Date | Feb 01, 2023 |
| State | FL |
| Description | 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. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Dec 24, 2022 |
| State | NC |
| Description | Earlier today I submitted a complaint, nhtsa tracking number 11498747. Would it be possible to send this back to me as I would prefer to modify it? Please do not post it now. Thanks, craig wenger wengerca@msn. Com 910-471-7653 |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Dec 24, 2022 |
| State | NC |
| Description | The vehicle has approximately 16,000 miles on it. It began to shudder in the front end when the brakes were applied at any speed. I contacted the dealer, parkway volvo of wilmington, nc concerning the problem and was told that the vehicle had just gone out of warranty. On december 16, 2022, I took the vehicle to derhams alignment and auto repair, wilmington nc to have the problem diagnosed. They found that the discs of the disc brakes on all four wheels were warped. They recommended replacement of these to repair the problem. Following this I took the car to parkway volvo on december 19, 2022, for a second opinion. Parkway came back with the same diagnosis and recommended that the discs be turned to straighten out the surface. I had this done at a cost of 0, and it repaired the problem. There is no reason that a vehicle with 16,000 miles should have warped discs unless it is abused, which this one has not been. I believe that the brake discs are made from inferior steel. I have been driving volvos for over 20 years and the discs last well over 100,000 miles without an issue. I believe that volvo is no longer using swedish steel and instead importing the discs. The volvo dealer made a number of excuses for the reason for the warping, one being that we have not used the car enough and/or that the electronic emergency brake warps the back discs if the car is parked to long. The car is garaged and parked on a level surface, without the emergency brake on. Also, this does not explain the front disc warping. I do not think that any of their excuses are reasonable, and I believe that volvo should replace the discs with properly manufactured and safe ones without a charge. I am unable to find the receipt from derhams alignment at the moment, but would be glad to get a duplicate and submit it if you need it. Sincerely, craig a. Wenger |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Jul 28, 2022 |
| State | CO |
| Description | Driver was stuck on ice pulling into a driveway, car got traction and driver thought they were on the brake but was on the gas. The vehicle ran into the garage going 9. 9 mph (we have the edr) and the steering wheel airbag and knee airbags deployed. The knee airbag caused a significant compound fracture of the lower tibia and fibula. Accident happened on 1/20 and orthopedics tried to repair using bone grafts, rods and screws. She has been non weight bearing since then and now on 7/27 it has been recommended to amputate the lower leg. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Sep 02, 2020 |
| State | RI |
| Description | I was backing out of my driveway and my backup alarm failed to sound as well as my backup breaking system. The result was me backing up into a parked vehicle. The failure of the system was reported to the volvo dealership and they denied that the system was not working properly. Several months later we received a letter in the mail stating that there was a recall for my vehicle and that the back up system was not alarming or breaking correctly and failed to alarm or break intermittently. Volvo denied that the problems were related, however the recall clearly stated exactly the problem I had reported earlier. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Jun 16, 2020 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Volvo's pilot assist system disengages without any warning or alarm. This happens whenever lane markings are not visible or if the camera system is blocked by sunshine. However, in any scenario, the pilot assist system must alert driver if it's disengaging. The system disengaged multiple times without warning when I was driving on highway with pilot assist on and till now volvo hasn't taken any action to fix this problem. *tr |
| Category | Engine, Power Train, Structure:body |
| Date | Oct 27, 2019 |
| State | OH |
| Description | Vehicle shut down and showed 'safety mode see owners manual' after sustaining minor front end damage in a collision with a deer. Unable to move vehicle to a safe stopping location on a rural interstate for approximately 2 minutes until 'safety mode' eventually reset and allowed limp-home power. This feature is quite unsafe and placed my family and I at significant risk. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance |
| Date | Oct 23, 2019 |
| State | MN |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 volvo xc40. The contact stated that the forward collision avoidance feature failed to operate properly. While slowing the vehicle down to 20 mph, the vehicle would begin accelerating independently. All the warning indicators started to illuminate, a beeping noise occurred, and the steering wheel would redirect independently. The failure recurred numerous times. The contact took the vehicle to kline nissan (3090 hwy 61 n, maplewood, mn 55109, (877) 284-5230) to be diagnosed, but no failure codes were found. The technician informed the contact that there must be a glitch and the service manager stated that there was no failure with the vehicle. The technician updated the software. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000. |
| Category | Engine, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Sep 02, 2019 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | My car has less than three thousand miles on it and was purchased in late may 2019. I was at a stop light when suddenly, I heard a loud buzz and the car stopped and started completely on its own. It happened again at the next traffic light, only this time, it kept shutting off and restarting. The dealer's service department doesn't seem to believe me, and the manufacturer has denied my request for repurchase, despite the serious safety risk this presents. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Aug 19, 2019 |
| State | MA |
| Description | Check engine emissions light keeps coming on; have had 3 service visits to dealer (resulting in same part being replaced twice, one or more software updates, one complete software reload) and now am getting light on again which will require yet a fourth service visit. (nb visit 1 was in summer '18 when car was new; visits 2-4 are all in summer 2019, commencing almost exactly one year later in summer weather conditions (hot humid rainy) |
| Category | Electrical System, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Apr 25, 2019 |
| State | CA |
| Description | The volvo intellisafe system automatically applied the brakes when there was nothing in front of the vehicle to brake for. It has done this 8 times, 3 times after I had the car in to repair this problem. It also thought there was a rear collision eminent and tightened the seat belt so much it injured my chest and side. I was in a left turn lane and a car passed quite safely to the right of me. This intellisafe system seems to be not functioning properly. The dealer does not believe me and has not fixed it. 1st time auto braking - sept 14 2018 while driving about 45 mph on el camino blvd, it braked hard for no reason, no traffic in front of me. 2nd time auto braking - october 3, 2018 on la jolla shores road going about 35 and no traffic in front, it hit brakes hard. 3rd time nov. 6 2018 on el camino real going about 45 mph, no car in front and it hit brakes hard. 4th time,jan. 19, 2019 I was approaching stoplight. While slowing it suddenly hit brakes hard for no reason. 5th time, march 4, 2019, it happened twice while driving on la jolla shores rd. Going about 35 mph it hit brakes hard almost causing the car behind me to collide with me. Had car serviced march 14, 2019 and they uploaded new software to fix problem. 7th time march 16 going 50 mph did auto braking hard and no traffic while on coast hwy. 8 time on april 22 did it two times in oceanside going 45 mph on coast hwy. Lastly, on april 23 it had rear collision alarm and tightened seat belt so hard it injured by chest and side (still hurts two days later). I was in left turn lane and car passed safely on right. Dealer service person seemed not to believe me and said to wait for regular service. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Mar 27, 2019 |
| State | MA |
| Description | I have a new volvo xc40 with the semi-autonomous driver assist package that can steer and control the car. The system can shut off while driving on the highway (active mode) for 2 reason: 1. Driver takes hands off the steering wheel for more than 15-20 seconds 2. System cameras can not adequately capture the road lane because the lines disappear or become faint. In situation 1, after 15 seconds of no hands on the wheel, there is a dashboard warning, followed by a vibration of the steering wheel and finally as the system de-activates it gives an audible loud warning tone- very adequate precautions. In situation #2, where the system de-activates because of a failure to find the lane markers, there is no warning, tone or vibration as it shuts off. The only indication that semi-autonomous driving has ended is a dash light turning grey from green. It is extremely dangerous to have the system de-activate with no warning or tone. Even driving with hands passively on the wheel while the car is driving, it is very easy to veer off the road without knowing the system has shut itself off. I am baffled if there has not been a serious accident because of this lack of warning. All volvo needs to do is activate the warning tone whenever they system goes from on to off, regardless of the reason. I registered a complaint in the past with volvo, and was told it is the drivers responsibility to always have their hands on the wheel. Having your hands on the wheel as it suddenly veers off the road is not a safe situation! If going around a curve, it takes less than 1 second to be off the road and into a tree, guardrail or ditch. In the latest software update, my dealer thought this problem was addressed. However, it has not been fixed. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Automatic Steering, Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Feb 05, 2019 |
| State | IL |
| Description | Pilot assist function disengages suddenly without warning. This is different from the expected operation where the system's steering assistance will go into standby upon losing lane marking inputs. While the system does occasionally enter normal 'standby' indicated by the green steering wheel icon turning grey, it also occasionally turns off entirely without warning (including auto throttle control), which is indicated only by an unexpected deceleration and by the steering wheel icon and following distance indicators both suddenly disappearing from the indicator panel. Immediately attempting to reactivate pilot assist will usually result in an 'unavailable' indication; however, waiting about 10 seconds will usually result in being able to reactivate full pilot assist function. This happens both city and highway driving. |
| Category | Electrical System |
| Date | Jan 11, 2019 |
| State | FL |
| Description | Tl* the contact owns a 2019 volvo xc40. While driving various speeds with the pilot assist feature activated, the vehicle drifted into the opposite lane and would erroneously change lanes. The vehicle was taken to volvo of tampa (6008 north dale mabray hwy, tampa, fl) to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was informed that the manufacturer was aware of the failure, but no remedy was available. The failure mileage was 1,450. |
| Category | Air Bags, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | May 16, 2018 |
| State | CT |
| Description | After less than 2 months air bag system failed at only 2400 mile mark. Suggest entire brand be recalled since it is a new model it was not tested properly. I am in danger and afraid to drive the car |
| Category | Seats |
| Date | Apr 06, 2018 |
| State | CO |
| Description | I was at the denver car show and looked at this model. With the rear hatch up the rear seats can be folded down via a button/latch when reaching in to the back. The rep demonstrated this manever and the seats released so forcefully with a slam that it could (and eventually will) injure or kill a child or pet severely. I was shocked at the snap-like, force and loud bang onto the seat once released. When standing on the ground and reaching in the back of the vehicle one also can not see what is in the back seat before pushing the button making matters worse. |
Share your story
Does this ring a bell? Have you had a bad experience too? Sound off and share your experience with other visitors in the comment box below.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT