2022 Volvo XC40 Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Electrical and Tire issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

The 2022 Volvo XC40 allows discerning drivers to experience the high-class lifestyle while on the road. The automaker claims it will help “Design your life.” However, owners continue to find that there’s no room for enjoyment or design when it comes to dealing with a defective electrical system and dangerous tires.

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2022 Volvo XC40

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Unknown Or Other
5
Air Bags
1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
1
Electrical System
1
Vehicle Speed Control
1
Structure:body
1
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
1
Structure
1
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
1

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019    2020    2021

Problems with the Electrical System

There’s no reason for a new vehicle to have defective electronics. Today’s technologies require reliable electrical systems, but the XC40 just seems to disappoint.

Here’s one NHTSA complaint worth reading. “The contact leased a 2022 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while using the backup camera at night, the brightness of the taillights would obstruct his vision while reversing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided him with a case number. The contact also notified the dealer of the failure and an inspection was performed. The inspection determined no fault with the camera system. The manufacturer then sent him an email that also informed him that there were no defects with the camera. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 1,500.”

Sadly, this isn’t the first complaint of its kind, proving that there’s an ongoing issue. However, Volvo is too busy dealing with NHTSA Campaign Number 21V109000 to look at anything else. This recall shows that the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) microprocessor might reset itself while the vehicle is in operation. If this happens, the high-voltage system can disconnect, which creates a loss of power and increases the chances of an accident. Knowing this, it’s clear to see why Volvo isn’t concerned about backup camera issues right now, even though the complaints are piling up. Customers are going to “design their life,” but without the XC40 in the future.

Problems with the Tires

The tires on the XC40 seem to be just as disappointing, especially considering how much money customers are spending on this Volvo.

Another NHTSA complaint states, “The contact was test driving a 2022 Volvo XC40 equipped with Pirelli tires. Tire Line: Pirelli, Tire Size:2255/40R20, DOT: Not available. The contact stated while driving at 3 MPH and making a turn in her driveway, the vehicle bumped the curve and the driver-side rear tire blew out. The contact stated it was the original tire. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they will follow up on the failure. The tire was replaced. The vehicle failure mileage and the tire failure mileages were unknown. The VIN was not available.”

It seems that the tires are causing plenty of trouble. Service Bulletin #TJ33867.1.3-2021 goes on to further discuss how radial force variation can create the same symptoms of an unbalanced tire and how this is prevalent in today’s models. Technicians are advised to provide tire balancing and look at radial force variations. Otherwise, the ride could be rough and uncomfortable, not how customers planned to design their life by any means.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon 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

CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateMar 12, 2023
StateCA
Description
Resubmitting as not sure if last submission was received... We recently noticed a strange crack developing in the front panel of the sunroof of the car. The cracks are very linear in nature, and there is no signs of a impact point and no "spiderwebbing" type cracks apparent. When I researched online, I was surprised to see a large number of other volvo xc40 owners that had the same issue, with the same type of hairline cracking in the same location on the same sunroof panel (see "https://www. Xc40forum. Com/threads/crack-in-panoramic-sunroof. 2403/page-3" for examples). In each instance, no other damage or evidence of a strike is reported on the vehicle to any surface or glass. All respondants say that volvo asks you to bring the car in and then quickly states they believe it is caused by a rock strike, not a manufacturer problem. I personally tried to help the service tech I spoke with understand the improbability of that claim, (I. E. That the cause was something dropping straight down from the sky to that it could hit impact the direct top of the vehicle with enough speed to crack the glass, but slow enough to not ever create any spider webbing in the same general area of the same panel of glass on multiple like vehicles of the same model without leaving any trace on any other surface in multiple geographies). I believe the issue to either be something structural causing a stress fracturing, or subpar glass used in the panel (since other panels on this car and other cars are not experiencing the issue). My concern and reason for reporting is that it appears the issue is growing in incidents reported, and if this panel breaks while someone is driving the results to themselves and others on the road could be a huge safety concern.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateMar 08, 2023
StateCA
Description
A series of large cracks have formed on the sunroof panel of the car. The cracks are on the top of the vehicle, and there have been no occassions of rocks or debris hitting the vehicle (which would have been noticed as it would've needed to be a direct hit straight from the sky). I live in san diego and the car us usually garaged, so there have been no weather incidents to consider either. Plus, the cracks appear to be stress fractures as there is no spider-webbing type breaks which you would expect to see with strike. This same breaking has been noted by various other owners of this car on a forum (https://www. Xc40forum. Com/threads/crack-in-panoramic-sunroof. 2403/page-3) including pictures of the breaks. In each case, it is the same glass panel directly on the top of the vehicle, the same side to side cracking near the front of the panel, and always volvo says "it must be a rock strike". (local volvo service center said the same to me on 3/7/23). However, it seems very unlikely that everyone would be experiencing the same stress type cracking (not spider-webbing) near the same part of the panel, on the same panel, on the same type of car - and that all were hit by a top down direct rock strike to that part of the vehicle without any other damage to any other part of the roof or hood. From the forum it looks like this has been reported by others to the nhtsa. My concern is that this panel will continue to crack until it potentially shatters glass on the occupants of the car, potentially while in motion which could present a risk to the occupants as well as others on the road. This should be addressed by volvo at their expense, and given the consistency and growing number of reports should be addressed quickly before something much more dangerous occurs.
CategoryAir Bags, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
DateFeb 22, 2023
StateCA
Description
The contact owns a 2022 volvo xc40. The contact stated while dropping off her niece at school, the vehicle was at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed; however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and drove over the pavement. The brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The vehicle crashed into the wall of the school and crashed into the school fence. The curtain air bags were deployed; however, the front driver's side air bag failed to deploy. The contact sustained pain in the right shoulder. The contact received medical assistance the following day. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a volvo collision center. The volvo collision center took the vehicle to their location and informed the contact that they were awaiting a volvo engineer to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
CategoryElectrical System, Vehicle Speed Control
DateDec 29, 2022
StateVA
Description
When backing the vehicle out of a parking space on wednesday, december 21, 2022, the vehicle lurched and moved very slowly. The center hud displayed the message, "slow down. The vehicle will reduce speed. Propulsion system failure." the vehicle was towed to the volvo certified dealer in roanoke va. The technician "reset" the error code and released the vehicle to me. The dealership could not tell me if the vehicle was safe to drive. I called the dealership multiple times, and they stated the problem was being investigated by volvo corporate. Still, no one can tell me if and the conditions the vehicle will begin its automatic deceleration protocol. I have a second report now from the dealership that the error must occur twice for them to investigate it more thoroughly. I feel fortunate that this occurred in a parking lot, and not while travelling at any speed in heavy traffic. Volvo online forums have been reporting this error since at least august 2022. Https://www. Xc40forum. Com/threads/propulsion-system-failure. 5150/ this is the second response from the dealership after I called today for progress: "–based on your dtc codes it appears you are referencing tj-36309, cma bev ihfa internal processor failure. At this time the concern has only occurred 1 time and has not returned after following the tj. A software fix is still under development to prevent misdetection of these dtcs, as you stated. This tj was only released last month, vcusa is working towards a solution. However, if the codes return it signals further fault tracing is needed and we will have to evaluate the situation if it happens." this does not sound safe, and I thank you all for reading.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateNov 30, 2022
StateNV
Description
The gps continues to stop working, it states it is "searching for gps". It has been to the dealership three different times for this software malfunction with no resolution.
CategoryStructure:body
DateOct 15, 2022
StateNY
Description
See accompanying letter. Cracked panoramic sun roof, with no evidence convincing stone damage, people with similar issues , involving same model.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateAug 05, 2022
StateTN
Description
Right (passenger side) rear window failed at highway speeds. Window shattered spreading small pieces of glass throughout car interior. No projectiles found in the debris, and no other vehicles were around when window shattered.
CategoryLane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
DateJun 28, 2022
StateCO
Description
Blind spot monitoring indicates a vehicle is in the blind spot area when no other vehicle is actually present. It has also failed to warn that a vehicle is actually in the blind spot when one was. On some occasions it just starts blinking erratically. I believe this is happening primarily on the driver side but I an not sure that it is not an issue on the passenger side as well. The date provided below of the incident represents the most recent time this event has happened but note it has happened multiple times. The photo provided shows the warning indicator lit but no vehicle in the area. I have additional phots if you would like them please just let me know.
CategoryStructure
DateMar 31, 2022
StateCA
Description
The contact owns a 2022 volvo xc40. The contact stated that material used to manufacture the rear lift gate parcel shelf in the vehicle would fracture when touched, causing small fiberglass shards to become stuck in the skin. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were both notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 300.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
DateFeb 03, 2022
StateFL
Description
I was driving westbound on a 2-lane tree-lined county road at around 9:00 am with the sun behind me. Without any other vehicles, pedestrians or objects, the car came to a sudden hard-brake stop with the seatbelt clenching around me. I was alarmed by this "phantom braking" experience. I have an appointment with my local volvo dealer, though I don't expect a resolution. Instead, I will request this so-called safety feature be disabled. I am extremely concerned if this would have happened on a busier street or highway.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateJan 14, 2022
StateNJ
Description
Problem with rearview backup camera when in dark the camera shows red that when backing up in the dark the tail lights are so bright that all as could be seen is red you cannot see any objects that are behind the vehicle
CategoryBack Over Prevention: Camera System
DateJan 04, 2022
StateNJ
Description
The contact leased a 2022 volvo xc40. The contact stated that while using the backup camera at night, the brightness of the taillights would obstruct his vision while reversing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided him with a case number. The contact also notified the dealer of the failure and an inspection was performed. The inspection determined no fault with the camera system. The manufacturer then sent him an email that also informed him that there were no defects with the camera. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 1,500.
CategoryTires
DateSep 24, 2021
StateCA
Description
The contact was test driving a 2022 volvo xc40 equipped with pirelli tires. Tire line: pirelli, tire size:2255/40r20, dot: not available. The contact stated while driving at 3 mph and making a turn in her driveway, the vehicle bumped the curve and the driver-side rear tire blew out. The contact stated it was the original tire. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they will follow up on the failure. The tire was replaced. The vehicle failure mileage and the tire failure mileages were unknown. The vin was not available.

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Brian Jones

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.

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