Volvo XC40 Recharge P8

The TCAM (Telematics and Connectivity Antenna Module) is the shark-fin shaped module on the roof. When it fails, all communications, navigation and connectivity are lost. Common symptoms: key not recognized (must place key in center console), no GPS signal, cannot lock/unlock remotely, SOS alerts preventing car from driving. Causes include water damage from unsealed rubber gasket or failed factory adhesive, and software glitches where the module enters an endless loop (persists even when car is off due to backup battery). Service Campaign A10140 covers antenna resealing on affected 2021-2022 models. Dealers typically replace the TCAM module and reseal the antenna cover. Temporary fix: press and hold defrost button for 20 seconds until SOS button flashes to reset TCAM. If that fails, dealer must perform extended battery reset and software download.

Multiple owners report XC40 Recharge left for 4-7 days returning completely unresponsive, requiring 12V jump start via front connectors under hood. Even with 70% HV battery charge, the 12V system can drain completely. Causes: any door/bonnet left open while charging keeps car awake, leaving car unlocked keeps systems alert, frequent Volvo app remote checks wake the car, "Keep Climate System Running" setting. If 12V is too low, car won't power on even with full HV battery because systems needed to activate HV battery won't function. Prevention: drive at least once per week, leave plugged in during long parking (car can top off 12V), disable frequent app check-ins, use scheduled departure instead of immediate climate control. Some dealers acknowledge this as abnormal and replace batteries under warranty. Tow truck drivers report frequent calls for this specific issue.

2024 XC40 Recharge owners report center screen freezing - works fine then suddenly nothing, touching any app does nothing. After dealer system reloads, works perfectly for days then freezes again (sometimes while driving, sometimes frozen upon entry). 2021 models experience GPS randomly cutting out and Google Maps freezing after ~1 hour of navigation, even after resets. Some believe the CPU is dated, causing sluggish performance, especially when switching profiles. Issues seemed to worsen with AAOS 2.5 update for some users. Temporary fix: press and hold "home" button until "screen cleaning" appears, keep holding until faint "VOLVO" logo appears (reboot). Car drives fine during reboot as infotainment is cosmetic layer. Some dealers have Volvo engineers remotely connect and change TCAM parameters. IHU (Infotainment Head Unit) replacement under warranty if software updates don't resolve. As of December 2025, version 4.2.13 released but some still report freezing issues.

Because XC40 Recharge uses regenerative braking primarily, physical brakes see minimal use, allowing surface rust buildup. After driving in rain then parking 24 hours to 3-4 days, wet pads rust to rotors significantly. Brake pad can bind and take chunk of pad off when moving. Dealers have seen this on several XC40 Recharges. 2021/2022 models most affected - Volvo changed brake pad formulation in later production to be more resistant to bonding. Symptoms: extremely sticky brakes on morning start in humid conditions, whole car doesn't want to move, clunking noises when pulling away. Solution: dealers replace metallic brakes with ceramic "comfort" pads under warranty, sometimes entire rotors if gouged. Prevention: turn off one-pedal drive occasionally to engage physical brakes, hard braking a few times to clean pads/rotors, dehumidifier in garage. Free warranty replacement but safety concern if chunk tears off.

Volvo's very generic alert that could mean anything - essentially the EV equivalent of check engine light. Usual culprit is software glitch requiring dealer reboot - but turning car off/on or leaving it for long period sometimes cures it. If error appears while driving, may enter limp mode or lose all power. Some owners got only 10km before car lost all power requiring tow. Hardware causes include: faulty Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) in main battery requiring replacement, sensor showing imbalance between front/rear axle rotation beyond limit. Cold weather (-10F to 5F) can trigger it after charging, but turtle symbol often goes away after 30 minutes and full power restored. Dealers scan for failed download, clear software and reload. Separate "Propulsion system update" exists. Service manager reports ~1 in 10 Volvos including XC40/XC60 Hybrid experience this. Engineers confirmed known software problem with fixes through updates. Under warranty, wait for dealer to address to avoid voiding coverage.

2022 XC40 Recharge owners report knocking from front driver's side during sharp right turns into parking spots at slow speeds. Also loud knocking over square bumps. Common at low outside temperatures, noise tends to disappear above 30 km/h and with 2+ adults in car. Final resolution after 4 dealer visits: replace both front strut bearings (part #32395175-6) and install 2 spacers (part #31317210-8). In some cases spring slightly deformed causing rubbing, requiring both parts replaced. Australia had recall REC-005727 for front left suspension affecting 2022-2023 XC40/C40 Recharge. Volvo dealer in Sweden (March 2024) admitted problem well known and impossible to fix until Volvo developed specific spare parts, anticipated Q3/2024. New part design being developed but release date constantly pushed back. Recurring issue - some owners experience clunking returning after repairs. Dealer notes found "binding in coil spring" when creating RTS case for repeat repair, instructed to replace strut bearing again with "NO NEW PART DESIGN AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME."

Common issue where charge fails mid-session or gets stuck at "initializing" stage. Service bulletin S10243 addresses possible "pin-problem" in charging port. Deep dive by dealership sometimes finds faulty charging module requiring replacement. In other cases, issue is charging cable itself - white indicator light doesn't always show cable health accurately, so try swapping cable before dealer visit. Some owners report AC charging suddenly stops working (home chargers) even when those chargers work on other EVs, but DC Fast Charging still works. Settings may get stuck (48A max but session stuck at 10A regardless of changes, charge speed only 1 mph). Power outage while charging can "traumatize" vehicle, reducing charging to 15A even with 60A/220V supply verified. Extreme heat may affect charging (heat index 107°F). Workaround: lean into plug and tilt upwards until car passes initializing stage. Troubleshooting: unplug and reconnect at all 3 points (wall, adapter, car), lock/unlock with key fob 4 times with cable plugged, TCAM reset, or last resort - disconnect 12V battery and TCAM backup battery for 30 minutes.

Owner experiences vary dramatically. Positive: 2021 model with 56,000 km shows no aging, range unchanged. 2022 model at 3 years/47,000 miles, always charging to 80%, reports zero degradation. Negative: 2023 model at 96,000 miles experienced 25% reduction in battery life over few months, full charge now shows only 170 miles (less than 2 years ownership) - mostly fast charged. Another at 10 months/10,000 miles appeared to have only 70kWh useable (7% loss in under a year). Sudden failures: 2022 Recharge at 18 months had battery cell failure, charge showing 90% but range only half expected. Another at 2 months/under 1,000 miles needed complete high voltage battery replacement after Drive Propulsion error. Volvo official guidance: prefer AC charging over DC fast charging (more sparing on battery), avoid charging to 100% unless needed (high State of Charge damages battery if maintained long), always charge if below 20%, long-term parking (>1 month) keep 40-60% charge, avoid temperatures around 55°C for >24 hours. Warranty: 8 years/160,000 km covering battery if capacity drops below 70% of original. Some thresholds mention 55% depending on region. Battery replacement covered under warranty but loaner may be needed for 3+ weeks during repair.

Faulty boot strut stops powered tailgate working properly. Boot may open only halfway. Signs of imminent failure: clicking, grinding, or humming noises when opening/closing, rusty liquid running down strut. 2020 and earlier models had struts positioned upside down vs later XC40s - originals let water in and corroded internals. When opening tailgate after washing/rain, water runs inside strut when it turns upside down, causing premature failure. Gears inside electric struts known to wear out on earlier models. Dealer quotes almost £1,200 to replace both struts (new ones different so must do both). Some owners found eBay replacements for £237 and fitted in 30 minutes. Manual override detailed in handbook. Volvo sometimes offers goodwill contribution: up to 70% contribution reported, some got 90% discount (full price ~£368+VAT per strut). However experiences vary - some get no contribution if not serviced at main dealer despite acknowledged known fault. Temporary fix: drip oil into struts to reduce grinding noise. Metal alternatives available at dealer to replace plastic-bodied originals.

Owners report inconsistent AC performance - not kicking on in morning but working fine in afternoon, behavior changes day-to-day. Intermittent cooling may stem from electric compressor or refrigerant pressure sensors. Known fixes: software update to 2.0 (system "failing to precharge"), expansion valve replacement under warranty (part only $30 AU), heat exchanger and fuse box relay replacement if expansion valve doesn't resolve it. First batch of XC40s had not enough coolant, but some had TOO MUCH, both causing AC problems. Faulty compressor may be due to lack of lubrication, electrical issues, or internal mechanical failure resulting in inadequate cooling. XC40 Recharge features conventional AC system with electronically powered compressor using newer R1234yf refrigerant. Some owners discovered AC recall when bringing car in - seemed to involve regassing system, after which AC worked fine on Lo setting where previously warm. Check software is up to date, have dealer verify refrigerant levels, ask about AC-related recalls/TSBs, inspect expansion valve/heat exchanger/relay if problems persist.

Rare but catastrophic issue. One 2021 XC40 Recharge at 37k miles experienced catastrophic front electrical motor failure. Car towed to dealer, after 27 days dealer still had no idea when replacement modules would be available. Owner looking at minimum 2 months without vehicle due to parts availability. Some owners report harmonic vibration at 65-70mph (more apparent with Pirelli Sottozero OEM winter tires) and zipper-like noise from motor(s)/transmission(s)/drive shafts at full torque 0-50mph acceleration. 2024 model has revised suspension and new motors, suggesting Volvo made improvements. Genuine Volvo Drive Assembly (part #32399277) available for left side covering 2020-2025 models. Typically covered under 8-year/160,000 km EV drivetrain warranty but parts availability can cause extended wait times. Some owners report "Propulsion System Service Urgent" preceding motor failure. If experiencing unusual motor noise, vibration, or loss of power, have dealer diagnose immediately while under warranty coverage.