Top Volvo XC40 fixes every owner should know

TL;DR

The Volvo XC40 has common faults including electrical issues, infotainment failures, brake problems, air conditioning failures, and suspension noises. DIY repairs can save costs, while garage repairs range from £100 to £600 depending on the issue. Knowing these can help you save time and money.

Electrical Issues

One common fault in the XC40 is electrical problems, particularly with the battery management system. Symptoms include warning lights on the dashboard or issues with starting the car. The fix often involves checking the battery connections and replacing the battery if necessary.

DIY: If you have basic tools, you can check connections and replace the battery yourself. Cost: A new battery typically costs around £100. Garage: Expect to pay £150 to £250 for diagnostics and replacement.

Infotainment System Failures

Some owners report issues with the infotainment system freezing or rebooting unexpectedly. This can often be fixed by updating the software or performing a factory reset.

DIY: You can perform a software update via the vehicle’s settings menu. Cost: Updates are usually free. Garage: A visit to the dealer for a reset might cost between £50 to £100.

Brake Problems

Braking issues, such as squeaking or grinding noises, are also common. These can indicate worn brake pads or discs. Replacing these components is essential for safety.

DIY: If you’re comfortable with brake work, you can replace pads and discs yourself. Cost: Brake pads cost about £50 to £150, while discs can be £100 to £200. Garage: Labour costs for brake work can range from £100 to £300.

Air Conditioning Failures

Another issue is the air conditioning system not blowing cold air. This is often due to a refrigerant leak or a faulty compressor.

DIY: Checking for simple leaks is possible, but compressor replacement is complex. Cost: Refrigerant recharge costs about £50 to £100. Garage: Compressor replacement can run £300 to £600.

Suspension Noises

Many XC40 owners experience noise from the suspension, particularly over bumps. This could be due to worn shock absorbers or bushings.

DIY: Replacing bushings is feasible for a DIYer, but shock absorber replacement is more involved. Cost: Bushings are about £20 to £50 each; shock absorbers can be £50 to £150 each. Garage: Expect to pay £200 to £400 for shock absorber replacement.

Volvo XC40 MOT record

From 87,576 recorded MOT tests, 8.5% failed.

MOT pass and failure rates by year of first registration
Registered	Tests	Failed	Median mileage
2023	807	4.2%	24,950 mi
2022	16,546	6.4%	25,930 mi
2021	24,615	7.5%	32,899 mi
2020	24,158	8.7%	38,158 mi
2019	14,838	11.3%	45,912 mi
2018	6,612	11.3%	52,866 mi

Most common reasons for failure

a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm27.9%
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements26.9%
A tyre seriously damaged26.5%
Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured9.6%
Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn9.1%

Figures cover every Volvo XC40 tested in the DVSA dataset, not this specific car. Check a registration for the actual history of one vehicle.

Volvo XC40 official figures

Median across 54 variants on sale, electricity, electricity / petrol, petrol, petrol electric.

Combined economy

42.1 mpg

WLTP median across variants

CO2 emissions

152 g/km

Sets the first-year tax rate

Electric range

262 miles

Manufacturer WLTP figure

Official figures for new cars. Real economy varies with driving, load and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are common faults in the Volvo XC40?

Common faults include electrical issues, faulty brakes, and infotainment problems.

How much does it cost to fix a Volvo XC40?

Costs vary, but typical repairs range from £100 to £600 depending on the issue.

Can I fix the XC40 issues myself?

Some issues are DIY-friendly, while others may require a garage.

Is it worth repairing an XC40?

If the car is otherwise in good condition, repairs can be worth it.