YearToAvoid

2018 Volvo XC40 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

13/100

#8 most-complained of 9 XC40 years

The 2018 Volvo XC40 has a Complaint Index of 13, the lowest among the 9 model years with data, with 0 complaints logged and 1 recall. It ranks 8th worst (meaning near the best) compared to other XC40 years.

Complaints
0
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2018 Volvo XC40 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

No component data.

2018 Volvo XC40 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 18V800000Nov 13, 2018Electrical System17,548 vehicles

    Electrical system:software

    Volvo Car USA LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Volvo XC90, S90, V60, V60 Cross Country, V90, XC40, XC60, and V90 Cross Country vehicles. The software installed in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) may have an error causing the Telematics and Driver Support Systems to function improperly. As a result, the GPS will not provide location information to emergency personnel in the event of an emergency.

    Risk: If the GPS location is not provided to emergency personnel it can inhibit emergency response in the event of a crash or injury.

    Remedy: Volvo will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software, free of charge. The recall began December 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volvo customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo's number for this recall is R39917.

2018 compared with other XC40 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201720182019202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017No verdict001—
2018No verdict1301—
2019Caution50304 !26.5
2020Good2512126

All Volvo XC40 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Volvo XC40 reliable?
NHTSA lists 0 complaints for the 2018 XC40 and a Complaint Index of 13, the lowest of the 9 model years with data. Compared to other XC40 years, 2018 ranks near the best.
Does the 2018 Volvo XC40 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2018 XC40, covering a software issue in the Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM). This recall is not a do-not-drive recall.
What year Volvo XC40 should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA complaint and recall data, 2021, 2023, and 2024 are flagged as Avoid years, with Complaint Index values of 75, 100, and 88. The 2018 model, with an index of 13, is far from those problem years.
How does the 2018 XC40 compare to the 2019 XC40?
The 2018 XC40 has a Complaint Index of 13 and 0 complaints, while the 2019 XC40 has a Complaint Index of 50 with 30 complaints and 4 recalls. The 2019 model is rated Caution.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.