IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2022 Volvo XC40

A mid-life update around 2022 brought revised bumpers and grille, the 2.0 mild-hybrid (B4/B5) engine range consolidating in place of the older T3/T4, plus updated interior materials; the pure-electric version continued alongside until being renamed EX40 in 2024.

What changed for 2022

  • •2022: front-end restyle and Drive-E mild-hybrid engine rationalisation
  • •Software-standard Google services rolled out across trims
  • •2024: EV versions spun off as EX40, petrol/mild-hybrid XC40 continues to 2026

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Powershift-clutch-era cars (early twin-clutch) need careful gearbox testing
  • !Rear-end parking damage on city cars
  • !Charging-agnostic software glitches on PHEV cars
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

XC40 Recharge high-voltage battery fire-risk recalls (2021-22 build, ongoing 2026)

SeriousEngine

DVSA’s recall record for 2021 model-year XC40s documents a high-voltage battery cell manufacturing defect that can let cells overheat at full charge with a fire risk when parked - the defect that sits behind Volvo’s repeated charge-limit instructions. In July 2026 CarTell reported Volvo writing to 333 UK XC40 Recharge PHEV owners with a do-not-charge instruction on the same cell theme. If any cell modules have been replaced the car may be fine; if the notice is open, the car is a liability - and any BEV version built in 2023-24 is caught by the separate brake-module recall.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (recall); battery pack replacement is £6,000-£12,000 if ever uninsured
Warning Signs:

Do-not-charge or charge-limit notifications, Battery warning text on the centre display, Post-charge cell temperature alerts in the app

What to Inspect:
  • Print the full DVSA recall history for the plate - open notices are a dealbreaker
  • Ask whether any HV modules were replaced and with what part numbers
  • Confirm the charging software limit is not simply hiding the fault
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Infotainment Freezing and Software Glitches

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Earlier cars with Sensus and 2022+ models with Google-based Android Automotive can suffer from screen freezes, blackouts, or lost GPS/connectivity.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£1,000
Warning Signs:

Black or rebooting central screen, Bluetooth, GPS or nav drops out, Camera and climate menus unavailable

What to Inspect:
  • Check software update history
  • Test all screen functions including nav and cameras
  • Ensure the system responds quickly to touch
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

12V Battery Drain and Start-Stop Faults

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Battery-management and software issues can flatten the auxiliary or main 12V battery, causing stop-start failure and low-voltage warnings.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£450
Warning Signs:

Stop-start unavailable, Low battery warnings, Car struggles after standing for a few days

What to Inspect:
  • Ask for battery test results
  • Check how often the car is used for short trips
  • Look for repeat battery replacements in the history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Powered Tailgate Strut and Rear-End Hardware Issues

ModerateBodywork & Rust

The power tailgate on earlier XC40s can corrode, strain or stop closing properly, especially on cars living outdoors through salted winters.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£800
Warning Signs:

Tailgate stutters or stops halfway, Grinding or creaking from tailgate struts, Boot refuses to latch first time

What to Inspect:
  • Operate the tailgate repeatedly
  • Inspect struts and hinges for corrosion
  • Check for dealer campaign or warranty history
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2022 Volvo XC40

  • 2022-on cars hold value better with the newer face and lower-CO2 tax bands.
  • A second mid-life update for 2026 keeps the nine-year-old SUV current - Parkers notes it explicitly.
2020–20212023–2024
Check a 2022 Volvo XC40 by Registration