Recall 18V535 affects 27 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles for missing rear seat back lock strikers. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 27 2019 XC40 vehicles because some rear seats were built without rear seat back lock strikers. Without those lock strikers, the seat back can move forward during hard braking or a crash and increase injury risk; Volvo dealers will inspect and install the missing parts free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear seat back lock strikers on the 2019 Volvo XC40 are fixed latch points that hold the rear seatbacks in place. When a seatback is raised, the seatback latch is supposed to grab the striker so the seat stays locked upright during braking and a crash. That lock also helps keep cargo in the rear area from moving into the passenger space.
On affected XC40 vehicles in NHTSA campaign 18V535, the rear seats were built without those rear seat back lock strikers. Volvo traced the problem to a manufacturing error: the vehicles were identified in Volvo's quality system, but the repair step was not completed. Without the striker, the seatback can move forward during hard braking or a crash instead of staying locked in position.
What you notice depends on the seat type. With electrical folding seats, the backrest stays down, so the problem is visible right away. With mechanical folding seats, a flag indicator shows the unlocked position, but an owner can miss it because the backrest can stay upright until a hard brake.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Volvo XC40 | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 27 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 Volvo XC40 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unlocked seat back can move forward during hard braking or a crash and increase the risk of injury. Treat an unlocked indicator or folded backrest as a reason to stop using that seat until it is inspected. The dealer will inspect the vehicle and install missing seat back lock strikers. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Volvo XC40 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free inspection and seat back lock striker installation, which keeps the rear seat back locked during hard braking or a crash.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V535 when you call.
- Avoid hard braking until the dealer confirms the rear seat back lock strikers are installed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician inspects the rear seats to confirm whether the rear seat back lock strikers are installed. If any striker is missing, the technician installs the missing seat back lock striker free of charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Volvo has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you already paid for a related seat back lock striker repair before the recall notice, bring your documentation and ask the service desk how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 15, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 15, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 15, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 12, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 15, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V535?
Recall 18V535 covers 27 2019 Volvo XC40 vehicles that lack rear seat back lock strikers. Without those strikers, the rear seat back can move forward during hard braking or a crash, increasing injury risk. Volvo dealers will inspect and install missing strikers for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Volvo XC40 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific XC40 is included in recall 18V535. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the rear seat inspection. The dealer will install the missing seat back lock strikers for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Volvo dealers will inspect the rear seats and install the missing seat back lock strikers free of charge if your VIN is included.
What is the safety risk?
The rear seat back can move forward during hard braking or a crash if the lock strikers are missing. That movement can increase the risk of injury for occupants. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection and repair if included.
What if I bought this Volvo XC40 used?
The recall still follows the VIN. A used 2019 Volvo XC40 is eligible for the same free repair if its VIN is included. Check your VIN, then give the dealer recall number 18V535 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V535000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-800-458-1552 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V535 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V535000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →