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BrakesPart report

2021 Volvo XC40 Brakes Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
8%of 52 total for the year
Median mileage
5,250miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Volvo XC40, 8% of the 52 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,250 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“On July 1st 2025, while slowly reversing out of my driveway at approximately 3–4 mph, the vehicle’s collision detection system errantly detected an imminent collision. Despite there being no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or objects in the vehicle’s path, the system abruptly engaged the automatic emergency braking (AEB). This sudden and forceful braking caused me to experience whiplash due to the unexpected jolt. There was no prior warning or indication of a malfunction, nor any alert from the vehicle indicating why the braking occurred. …”

NHTSA complaint #11671132, filed 2025-07

“The contact called on behalf of the mother who owns a 2021 Volvo CX40. The contact stated that the mother was driving approximately 25 MPH, when the brake inadvertently stopped the vehicle and the seatbelt tighten the driver into the seat. There was anti-lock brake light illuminated and a message about accident avoidance city safety. The vehicle was diagnosed at a local dealer with an unknown recall failure. The vehicle was repaired and software updated; however, the failure reoccurred while driving approximately 55 MPH. …”

NHTSA complaint #11471863, filed 2022-06, 5,250 miles

“On 3 occasions the brakes were seized when attempting to drive the car after being parked if the brakes had gotten wet prior to parking. There is a loud clunk and even at times grinding. The pads/rotors were replaced 2 times and it is going back in for the third time. Each time brake pad material broke off. This compromises the braking capability of the vehicle if the pads have pieces missing.”

NHTSA complaint #11434459, filed 2021-09

“Rear collision warning system activated without reason. While stopped at a traffic light the RCWS activated and the emergency brake system engaged. This has been reported before to NHTSA. Vehicle was at the dealership for repairs or to identify the issue. Had to have it towed and dragged onto the flat bed tow truck as the cars emergency brake system was engaged and couldn't be disengaged. Received vehicle back and was told to bring it back once it happened again, which it has twice. But this time, emergency brake did not get stuck and have to be towed. …”

NHTSA complaint #11560494, filed 2023-12

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024829%
20231021%
202213%
202148%
2020325%
2019517%

Other parts of the 2021 Volvo XC40

Electrical system
14 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
8 complaints
Other or unknown
7 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
6 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Engine
3 complaints
Lane departure
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Volvo XC40

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology