If you’re eyeing a **2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge**, you’ve probably heard two very different stories: owners who love its power and Scandinavian calm, and others who’ve battled warning lights and software gremlins. This guide pulls together the most common 2022 XC40 Recharge problems, how serious they really are, and what you should check before you commit to a used one.
Quick take
Overview: How Reliable Is the 2022 XC40 Recharge?
2022 XC40 Recharge Reliability Snapshot
On paper, the 2022 XC40 Recharge looks solid. Owner ratings on mainstream sites skew positive, and the dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive setup itself isn’t infamous for mechanical failures. Where things get messy is in the **software layer** that runs the infotainment, driver aids, and battery management. That’s where most real‑world “problems” show up, and why updates and service history matter so much when you’re shopping used.
The Biggest 2022 XC40 Recharge Problems Owners Report
Most Common 2022 XC40 Recharge Problem Categories
Based on owner reports, forums, and recall history
Software & Infotainment
Charging & Battery Behavior
Safety & Driver Aids
Let’s dig into each of these so you can tell the difference between **annoying but manageable quirks** and the **red‑flag problems** that should affect price, or send you to a different EV altogether.
Software & Infotainment Glitches
If there’s a single theme with the 2022 XC40 Recharge, it’s this: **the hardware is usually fine; the software is still catching up.** Owners regularly talk about the car feeling like a great EV wrapped around an occasionally cranky tablet.
- Infotainment screen freezing or rebooting while driving
- Stuck in “Guest” profile or losing driver profile settings
- Google Maps lag, audio cutting out, or apps refusing to load
- Backup and 360° camera intermittently failing to appear in reverse
- Warning messages that vanish after a restart and never return
Quick fix that often works
When it’s just annoying
- Screen is slow to boot on cold mornings but eventually works.
- Occasional app crashes (Spotify, Google Maps) that resolve after a restart.
- One‑off warning messages that never come back after a software update.
These are common on many modern EVs and aren’t necessarily a deal‑breaker.
When it’s a true red flag
- Infotainment reboots repeatedly while driving, affecting climate and audio.
- Car locks into Guest profile and dealer can’t permanently fix it.
- Persistent camera, brake or propulsion warnings even after updates.
Those issues suggest deeper electronic faults or modules that may need replacement under warranty.
Ask directly about software history
Battery, Charging & Range Complaints
There’s no widespread pattern of **catastrophic battery failure** on the 2022 XC40 Recharge, which is good news. The more common stories are about **charging headaches and range expectations** that don’t always match the brochure.
- DC fast‑charging sessions that stop unexpectedly at public stations
- Error messages during DC charging that require switching stalls or rebooting the car
- Range dropping quickly at highway speeds or in cold weather
- Confusion about one‑pedal driving and how regen affects estimated range
Some owners have seen repeated **“propulsion system” or charging errors** when using certain DC fast‑charging networks, especially early on. In a number of cases, dealers resolved them with software updates or, more rarely, by replacing components like an inverter or high‑voltage control module.
What’s normal vs not
Used XC40 Recharge Battery & Charging Check
1. Review DC fast‑charging behavior
Ask the seller how the car behaves on road trips. Do sessions complete normally, or are there frequent errors and restarts? A single finicky charger is one thing; **problems at multiple stations** are something else.
2. Look at estimated range vs. state of charge
On a warm day at moderate speeds, the **estimated range at 80–90%** should still feel realistic for your needs. Severely depressed estimates may point to heavy use in harsh climates, or very aggressive driving history.
3. Confirm high‑voltage warranty status
Volvo’s battery warranty is long, but you still want to know **when it started and whether any high‑voltage components have been replaced**. That’s your safety net if a latent issue shows up later.
4. Check for past charging error codes
If you can, have a Volvo‑savvy technician scan for historic fault codes involving **propulsion, DC charging, or the high‑voltage system**. Clear recent codes plus a clean drive test are your friends.
Safety Recalls, Brake Warnings & Camera Failures
Beyond everyday glitches, the 2022 XC40 Recharge sits in the orbit of several important **safety‑related recalls and service campaigns**. Some are specific to the 2021–2022 battery‑electric XC40; others affect multiple Volvo models but still matter if you’re shopping this car.
Key Recall & Safety Issues Affecting XC40 Recharge Owners
Exact coverage depends on build date and whether the remedy has already been applied. Always run the VIN through an official recall checker.
| Issue | What Happens | Typical Fix | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| High‑voltage system shutdown (BECM reset) | Car can suddenly lose drive power if the battery control module resets. | Dealer software update for the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). | Loss of propulsion without warning is a serious safety concern. |
| Accelerator pedal sensor corrosion (APS) | Water intrusion may corrode the accelerator sensor wiring, causing unintended acceleration, no acceleration, or loss of power. | Inspect wiring, add splice/seal, replace sensor or connector if needed. | You do not want surprises when you press the accelerator. |
| Rearview camera not displaying | Camera image may not appear when shifting to reverse. | Software update (often OTA) to restore proper camera function. | Backup camera is a federally mandated safety feature. |
| Brake‑related software warnings | On some Volvo EVs and PHEVs, over‑the‑air updates tied to camera fixes created brake‑system concerns. | Subsequent software updates to fix interactions between regenerative braking and hydraulic brakes. | If ignored, could theoretically affect braking response on certain models. |
Use this table as a conversation guide with the seller or dealer; it is not a substitute for an official VIN lookup.
Don’t ignore recall history
Owners have also reported intermittent **brake system warnings or ABS/ESC alerts** that disappear after a restart. An occasional one‑off warning that never returns after a software update is one thing. Recurring brake or propulsion warnings, especially if they coincide with changed pedal feel, need to be taken seriously and investigated by a Volvo technician.
Other Notable 2022 XC40 Recharge Issues
Other Problems XC40 Recharge Owners Talk About
Less common than software glitches, but still worth checking
Climate control & A/C trouble
No sound / audio cut‑outs
Random shutdowns or restarts
Dealer support inconsistency
Forum noise vs. real risk
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2022 XC40 Recharge
A used 2022 XC40 Recharge can be a smart buy, especially at today’s softer EV prices, but only if you’re methodical. Here’s how to separate a well‑sorted example from a problem child.
Pre‑Purchase Checklist for a 2022 XC40 Recharge
1. Verify software version and update history
On your test drive, dive into the settings and note the **software version**. Ask when it was last updated and whether any major modules (infotainment unit, inverters, camera system) have been replaced.
2. Test all cameras and sensors repeatedly
Shift into reverse multiple times. Make sure **backup and 360° cameras** appear instantly and stay on. Try parking‑assist, lane‑keep, and adaptive cruise to confirm they work smoothly.
3. Do a mixed‑driving test route
Include city streets, highway speeds, and at least one good stop from 55–65 mph. Watch for **warning lights, strange brake feel, or sudden loss of power**. Any recurring messages are worth having scanned.
4. Plug into both Level 2 and DC fast charging
If possible, do a quick **Level 2 charge test** and a short DC fast‑charge session. Look for stable charging, no abrupt stops, and reasonable charge rates for the state of charge and temperature.
5. Check for open recalls by VIN
Use the VIN to look up **unrepaired recalls or campaigns**. Confirm with the seller or dealer, preferably in writing, that required fixes have been completed, or factor a service visit into your plans.
6. Review service history for patterns
A single visit for a software flash isn’t scary. **Three visits for the same electrical issue** with no clear resolution should push you either to negotiate hard, or walk away.
Consider a third‑party EV inspection
2022 XC40 Recharge vs Other Used EVs
Where the XC40 Recharge shines
- Comfort & safety: Classic Volvo strengths, with a quiet cabin and strong crash‑test pedigree.
- AWD performance: Dual‑motor setup delivers quick acceleration and secure all‑weather traction.
- Premium feel: Materials and design feel more upscale than many mass‑market EV crossovers.
Where rivals may be easier to live with
- Software maturity: Some competitors, particularly long‑running EV platforms, have fewer infotainment bugs.
- Charging ecosystem: Depending on your area, you may find better road‑trip charging behavior from EVs that play nicer with certain networks.
- Dealer experience: Brand‑to‑brand differences in EV expertise are real, local support should influence your choice.
When the 2022 XC40 Recharge makes sense
How Recharged Helps You Buy a Used XC40 Recharge Safely
Buying a used EV doesn’t have to feel like a science project. At Recharged, every vehicle we list, including models like the 2022 XC40 Recharge, comes with a **Recharged Score Report** that goes beyond a basic Carfax.
Why Shop a Used XC40 Recharge Through Recharged
We’re built specifically around used EVs, not just gas cars with plugs.
Verified battery & charging health
Problem‑focused inspections
Financing, trade‑in & delivery
If you have your heart set on a 2022 XC40 Recharge but you’re nervous about the horror stories, shopping through a specialist like Recharged can give you the **transparency and backup** a private‑party sale can’t match.
FAQ: 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge Problems
Frequently Asked Questions About 2022 XC40 Recharge Problems
Bottom Line: Should You Buy a 2022 XC40 Recharge?
The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge isn’t a trouble‑free appliance, and you shouldn’t treat it like one. It’s a quick, comfortable, safety‑focused electric SUV with **above‑average software drama** and a handful of important recalls in its past. If you’re willing to do your homework, confirm updates, check for warning‑light history, and insist on a thorough EV‑focused inspection, a good example can be a terrific everyday EV.
If that kind of due diligence sounds daunting, lean on a specialist. With Recharged, you get **battery health verification, fair‑market pricing, financing, trade‑in options, and nationwide delivery**, plus experts who know the 2022 XC40 Recharge’s weak spots. That way, when you plug in your new‑to‑you Volvo at home for the first time, you’ll be thinking about your next road trip, not your next service visit.
