IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2023–2024 Volvo XC40

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2023–2024 Volvo XC40. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
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

Buying Tips for 2023–2024 Volvo XC40

  • Test the infotainment thoroughly because a freezing screen also takes out navigation, cameras and some climate functions.
  • Check the 12V battery and start-stop behaviour, especially if the car has mainly done short urban trips.
  • Operate the power tailgate several times and listen for creaks or strain on earlier cars exposed to UK road salt.
20222025–2026
Check a 2023–2024 Volvo XC40 by Registration