2021 Volvo XC40 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 19%of 52 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the fuel system of the 2021 Volvo XC40, 19% of the 52 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“In approximately May of 2023, my vehicle experienced propulsion system failure per a dash board light, and would not drive. I had it towed to Volvo and they told me that it was a known defect that required a software upgrade. They upgraded the software. In May of 2024, the car had a second propulsion system failure. The Volvo dealer found the error code and light on the dash, followed diagnostic procedures and saw that the software is up to date. …”
NHTSA complaint #11589423, filed 2024-05“I was driving this car on Highway 99 on 7/11/2025. The dashboard flashed the message Stop safely The vehicle will stop Propulsion system failure. I cut the lane and stopped my car on the Highway 99 shoulder. Just right, my car stopped on the Highway shoulder; it disabled itself and couldn't move at all. The gear shift can't shift to neutral (N). From the first message appearing on the dashboard to the car being disabled takes just a couple of seconds. When it happened, it was about 6:30 pm, rush hour. …”
NHTSA complaint #11673958, filed 2025-07“Complete power failure of all electric Volvo XC 40 Recharge Vehicle has had recall update of software and additional software update. This is the second complete power failure Previously reported October 12 Recurrent power failure after fix on October 23. Volvo is unable to fix a complete power failure requiring tow truck to dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11438028, filed 2021-10“A complete power failure. The main battery failed due to a software failure from The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The entire car stopped working. No power to unlock the wheels. The car was dead towed on rollers under the wheels via flatbed truck. A recall r10078 was not given and was not performed on prior visits to the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #11436734, filed 2021-10“I own a 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge (pure electric). At 49,030 miles, while slowly driving in a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly began shuddering and jerking as if driving over rumble strips. A warning message appeared stating “Propulsion System Failure” and indicated the vehicle would reduce speed. The vehicle lost propulsion and came to a stop. After stopping, the vehicle would not re-enter Drive or Reverse and could not be driven. It was stuck in position in the parking lot but not in a parking space. …”
NHTSA complaint #11748171, filed 2026-07Fuel system: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Volvo XC40
14 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine 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 30, 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