2021 Volvo XC40 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 10%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 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Volvo XC40, 10% 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.
“The vehicle is a battery electric that relies on its 12V battery to start and operate. My wife and I were driving the vehicle and began to stop in a let hand turn lane when it shuddered violently and stopped without any ability to move forward or in reverse - an emergency message appeared in the dash display indicating a 12V battery charging fault, and to immediately take the vehicle to a service center, also indicating that vehicle could not be restarted. …”
NHTSA complaint #11511344, filed 2023-03“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“Complete loss of all power. Vehicle has been in three times for this condition. Each time, the problem has recurred. This is the third complete power failure in three months.”
NHTSA complaint #11443939, filed 2021-12Related service bulletins
- 11033734May 7, 2026This is a Technical Journal: Intermittent knocking noise during acceleration. If the sound corresponds to attached sound file, change front drive shafts to the below part numbers.
- 11027192Dec 20, 2025This is a TJ Text Only no attachment If a customer experiences a DIM message stating "Propulsion Service Required" and IEM P0A7A48 is stored, please follow the advice under…
- 11023543Sep 22, 2025This is a TJ Text Only no attachment If a customer experiences a DIM message stating "Propulsion Service Required" and IEM P0A7A48 is stored, please follow the advice under…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Volvo XC40
14 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsForward collision avoidance
6 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 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