Recall 21V881 affects 4 2021 Volvo XC40 vehicles for a loose or missing motor cross-member bracket bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
Volvo is recalling 4 2021 XC40 BEV vehicles because a bolt that secures the electrical motor cross-member bracket is loose or missing. A loose or missing bolt can reduce structural protection in a crash and increase injury risk; Volvo dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The cross-member bracket on the 2021 Volvo XC40 helps hold the electric motor assembly steady in the front compartment. A securing bolt clamps that bracket to the structure, so motor movement stays controlled as the vehicle starts from a stop, accelerates, and transfers load through the body.
On the recalled XC40 vehicles, the bolt on the left-hand side of the front motor was assembled with the wrong torque. A bolt with too little clamping force can loosen, and a loose or missing bolt lets the bracket move instead of holding the motor assembly firmly. That movement is the defect Volvo traced to this recall.
The warning sign Volvo identified is a squeaking noise at take-off. If you hear that noise when the vehicle begins moving, treat it as a reason to have the recall checked by a Volvo dealer.
Who's affected?
The bracket is tied to both the body structure and engine components.
| 2021 Volvo XC40 | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2021 Volvo XC40 | Engine |
| Units affected | 4 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
The risk is reduced structural protection during a crash, which increases the risk of injury. A squeaking noise at take-off is the warning sign Volvo identifies. If you hear it or your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and drive cautiously until the dealer checks the bracket. Repair is free at any franchised Volvo dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Volvo XC40 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the free cross-member bracket and bolt replacement that secures the electric motor in the engine compartment.
- Bring the recall notice if Volvo mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V881 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and avoid trips you do not need.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Volvo technician replaces the cross-member bracket for the electrical motor in the engine compartment and installs new bracket bolts. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Because Volvo has a general reimbursement plan on file, owners who already paid for a matching repair can ask Volvo customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documented expenses under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 12, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 12, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| November 12, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 16, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 10, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 10, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V881?
Recall 21V881 covers 4 2021 Volvo XC40 BEV vehicles with a loose or missing bolt that secures the cross-member bracket for the electrical motor. The defect reduces structural protection in a crash and increases injury risk. Volvo dealers replace the bracket and bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Volvo XC40 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific XC40 is included in recall 21V881. If it is, contact a franchised Volvo dealer to schedule the cross-member bracket and bolt replacement. Reference recall 21V881 and Volvo recall R10128 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost. Volvo's remedy says dealers will replace the cross-member bracket and install new bracket bolts free of charge at a franchised Volvo dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 21V881?
Volvo mailed owner notification letters on December 16, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2021 Volvo XC40 is included before scheduling dealer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V881000 |
|---|---|
| Volvo customer service | 1-888-458-1552 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V881 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V881000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →