Volvo XC40 Recall R/2021/429: The Starter Motor May Engage Incorrectly, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 13 Dec 2021
- Launched
- 1,954
- vehicles in the UK
- R10143
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Volvo recalled XC40 vehicles built between 2 October 2017 and 18 April 2019. The starter motor may engage incorrectly and this may lead to a noise when starting the engine or even non-start. The recall notice describes the fix as: download modified software. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The starter motor may engage incorrectly and this may lead to a noise when starting the engine or even non-start.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: THE STARTER MOTOR MAY ENGAGE INCORRECTLY Defect: The starter motor may engage incorrectly and this may lead to a noise when starting the engine or even non-start. Remedy: Download modified software.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to a noise when starting the engine or even non-start.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: download modified software. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
XC40 built between 2 October 2017 and 18 April 2019 may be included. Volvo estimates 1,954 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Volvo, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Volvo.
- Book with any franchised Volvo dealer, quoting the campaign code R10143 or the DVSA reference R/2021/429. See how to get a Volvo recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XC40CMA cell modules | Urgent | R/2026/272 | |
| C40, S90, V60, V90 and 3 moreSafety Notice | Urgent | R/2025/211 | |
| XC40Due to a software error the left rear indicator may stop working. Should this happen it will be an intermittent issue and a message will be shown in the driver display. By turning the indictor off and back on again the indicator should return to full functionality: if the warning message is no longer displayed the indicator has full functionality | Low | R/2024/012 | |
| S60, V60, XC40During driving or idle the O-Ring may become twisted or break. Should this occur there could be an oil leak a message for low engine oil level displayed in the vehicle or an unusual smell in the cabin. In a worst case scenario this could cause a thermal event | Urgent | R/2023/263 | |
| C40, S60, S90, V60 and 6 moreThere may be a potential software error in the brake control module | Urgent | R/2023/025 |
This is one of 175 Volvo recalls in DVSA’s data. The Volvo recall launched before it was R/2021/360 on 18 Oct 2021, for thrust bearing in turbo charger might not be robust enough. The one launched after it was R/2022/313 on 27 Oct 2022, for a software error may prevent the engine control module from starting the engine. You can also see every Volvo recall and all recalls launched in 2021.
Source: DVSA recall R/2021/429, launched 13 December 2021. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.