Volvo's compact premium SUV on the CMA platform, updated from 2020 with a 48V mild hybrid system grafted onto the established 2.0-litre VEA four-cylinder turbo petrol. The B4 produces 197 hp through an 8-speed Aisin automatic gearbox, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. It replaced the earlier T4 designation and sits below the more powerful B5 in the range.
Proven VEA 2.0 engine with mild hybrid
Strong safety ratings and build quality
ISG belt a known weak point
Infotainment issues (Sensus and Google)
Buy if: You want a safe, well-equipped compact SUV with a fuel-efficient mild hybrid drivetrain and can verify the ISG belt condition.
Avoid if: You rely heavily on infotainment features without tolerance for software glitches, or you leave the car parked for weeks without driving.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
Common Problems
Belt driving the 48V integrated starter-generator can fail prematurely, sometimes within the first year · more· less
The 48V mild hybrid system uses a belt-driven integrated starter-generator (ISG). Forum reports indicate a batch of faulty belt pulley tensioners causing premature belt failure, sometimes as early as 500-5,000 miles. In rare cases, a snapped ISG belt can foul the timing belt and cause severe engine damage. Volvo has released updated tensioner components. The issue appears to be batch-specific rather than universal, affecting a subset of early MHEV production. Belt and tensioner replacement costs approximately €300-500 at an independent specialist or €500-800 at a Volvo dealer. Some manufacturers now treat the ISG belt as a periodic service item with a 4-year replacement cycle.
Centre display freezes, reboots, or shows black screen, affecting navigation and climate controls · more· less
Pre-2022 XC40 B4 models use the Sensus infotainment system, which is widely reported to freeze, reboot spontaneously, or show a black screen. The system controls essential functions including climate, navigation, and parking sensors, making failures disruptive. Many issues can be resolved via over-the-air software updates or a factory reset. Hardware failure of the IHU (infotainment head unit) module requires replacement at around €1,000-1,500. Post-2022 models transitioned to Google's Android Automotive OS, which has its own early-adoption bugs but has improved with updates. A class action lawsuit has been filed regarding Volvo's Android-based infotainment defects.
Strut top mount bearings deteriorate, causing clunking or squeaking over bumps and when turning · more· less
A known issue across the XC40 range. The front strut mount bearings can crack, lose grease, and deteriorate, causing audible clunking when driving over bumps and squeaking when turning the steering wheel at low speed. Some owners report the issue appearing as early as 4,000 km, though it more typically develops between 30,000-60,000 km. Volvo has released an upgraded replacement bearing with a wider diameter. Replacement cost is approximately €200-450 per side including alignment. Both sides should be done at the same time.
Battery drains within 7-14 days if car is not driven, due to parasitic electrical draw · more· less
The XC40 has a relatively high parasitic drain from its always-on connected systems (Volvo On Call, remote app, sensors). If the car is parked for more than 1-2 weeks without being driven, the 12V battery can go flat. The Volvo Cars app can exacerbate this by waking the car frequently. Volvo has addressed some of this via OTA software updates that improved sleep behaviour. Replacement AGM batteries cost €150-350. A quality trickle charger is recommended for cars that are regularly parked for extended periods.
Electric tailgate struts fail due to water intrusion, causing the tailgate to drop or not open · more· less
The powered tailgate struts on 2019-2021 models are known to fail due to a design flaw allowing water and moisture to enter the motor mechanism, leading to corrosion and eventual failure. The tailgate may stop opening fully, drop under its own weight, or refuse to open at all. Volvo introduced a redesigned part for 2022+ production. Replacement requires doing both struts simultaneously for proper synchronisation. Costs are approximately €500-800 at an independent specialist or up to €1,200 at a Volvo dealer including labour. This did not result in an official recall.
Glass develops hairline cracks without impact, typically at the edges or across the rear section · more· less
Numerous forum reports document stress fractures appearing in the panoramic sunroof glass without any impact or stone strike. Cracks tend to appear at the edges and run parallel to the frame. The issue appears more common on 2020-2022 models and can manifest in both cold and hot weather. Volvo consistently attributes the damage to stone impact, making warranty claims difficult. Replacement glass plus labour costs approximately €800-2,000. Additionally, the sunroof drain tubes should be cleaned periodically to prevent clogging and interior water leaks.
Proven engine, but mild hybrid adds a new failure mode
The VEA 2.0 four-cylinder is well established across the Volvo range and is fundamentally robust. The addition of the 48V mild hybrid system introduces the ISG belt as a wear point not present on the earlier T4. Infotainment issues are widespread across both Sensus and Google systems, though most are resolved via software updates. Strut mount bearing wear and tailgate strut failures are known XC40 platform issues with updated replacement parts available. Overall, the B4 is a dependable ownership proposition when maintained properly, with most risks being moderate in cost.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
AEB software failure: automatic emergency braking may not engage (2019-2020 production)
Verify completed
Oil line O-ring fire risk: undersized O-ring may leak and ignite (2022-2023 production, R10248)
Critical - verify completed
Seatbelt retractor: child restraint automatic locking retractor may deactivate early (Dec 2020-Mar 2021)
Verify completed
Brake control module: diagnostic error may disable ABS, ESC, and traction control (2023 models)
Verify completed
Contact Volvo with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The oil line O-ring recall (R10248) is particularly important as it involves a fire risk.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)
Expired on most used B4 models (2020-2023 production)
Rust perforation warranty
12 years from first registration
48V hybrid battery
8 years / 160,000 km (capacity guarantee)
Volvo Selekt extended warranty
Available through Volvo dealers for certified used cars
Most used XC40 B4 models are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. The 48V mild hybrid battery has a separate 8-year warranty. Volvo Selekt certified pre-owned vehicles include an extended warranty.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.