Known APK problem
Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C40: warning lights
On the Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C40 the APK inspector finds warning lights problems 18.4× as often as on cars of the same age: at 7–8 years 7.1%, against about 0.4% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
A warning light that stays on (for example ABS, airbag or engine fault) points to a fault that has to be read out first.
How to check it at the viewing
Switch on the ignition: all lights come on briefly and go out after starting. If one stays on, ask about the cause.
Ask the seller: Does a warning light ever come on, and has the fault been read out?
By age
Share of inspected Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C40s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | XC40 / EX40 / C40 | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 – 4 years | B | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.7× |
| 7 – 8 years | B | 7.1% | 0.4% | 18.4× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 7–8 years
| Model | Warning lights | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C40 | 7.1% | 18.4× |
| Mazda CX-5 II | 0.2% | 0.6× |
| Suzuki Vitara IV | 0.5% | 0.5× |
| Kia Niro I | 0.3% | 0.4× |
| Opel Mokka (A) / Mokka X | 0.7% | 1.8× |
Looking at a Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C40? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C40s of the same age.
All weak spots of the Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C40 · Warning lights: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C40 often have warning lights problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 7–8 years the inspector found a warning lights defect on 7.1% of inspected Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C40s, against about 0.4% of all cars of the same age (18.4×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the warning lights on a used Volvo XC40 / EX40 / C40?
Switch on the ignition: all lights come on briefly and go out after starting. If one stays on, ask about the cause.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know