The Volvo XC40 is a modern premium SUV with a comfortable chassis. Owners regularly report creaking and knocking noises from the suspension. These noises occur mainly on poor road surfaces and when driving over speed bumps. Sometimes they are accompanied by reduced stability. A crooked steering wheel is also reported. Do you recognise this? Then it’s important to trace the cause before a little play develops into costly damage.
Why does the suspension of the Volvo XC40 creak?
Many owners of the Volvo XC40 complain about creaking and rattling noises from the suspension. This often starts subtly and becomes more annoying over time. The noises usually arise from wear or play in parts of the wheel suspension. The rubber bushes in control arms and anti-roll bars age faster at higher mileages. Intensive use on poor road surfaces also speeds up this process.
Loose fixings cause knocking sounds. The XC40 has been in production since 2017 and received a facelift in 2022. Complaints differ per model year, but the pattern is similar. Especially on cars that are a few years old, mechanics regularly see worn components that cause extra noises.
With electric and hybrid versions, the extra weight of the battery and motor puts extra strain on the suspension. This makes small amounts of play noticeable more quickly while driving. When test-driving a used XC40, consciously listen out for rattles and ticks. Also pay attention to any odd steering feel. Take tight bends and drive over speed bumps to track down problems.
Common symptoms of suspension problems
The complaints with the XC40 are fairly specific. Owners often recognise a combination of symptoms. These point to problems with the wheel suspension. Take these warning signs seriously. They lead to uneven tyre wear. Less stable road handling is another consequence.
- Knocking or grinding noises from the front or rear suspension, especially on cobblestones and uneven surfaces
- Vibrations or a restless feeling while driving, sometimes mistaken for tyre or brake problems
- A crooked steering wheel or alignment issues that keep coming back after having the wheels aligned
- Reduced stability in corners or a nervous driving feel at higher speeds
- Rattling noises when accelerating or braking
These symptoms usually develop gradually. What starts as a single knock over speed bumps can sometimes get worse. Noticeable vibrations may appear. You may also notice a clear change in driving behaviour. If in doubt, it’s wise to have the suspension checked before the damage gets worse.
Possible causes of creaking and knocking noises
Suspension problems in the XC40 often arise from wear in specific components. Rubber parts are prone to ageing, especially with intensive use and exposure to moisture and temperature changes. Cars that are regularly driven on poor road surfaces accelerate this process. High-mileage cars are also more likely to suffer from this problem.
Worn suspension rubbers and bushes
The rubber bushes in control arms and anti-roll bars absorb shocks and vibrations. Over time they harden or tear. Play develops. This play causes knocking noises on rough surfaces. The front suspension in particular is susceptible to this type of wear.
A mechanic checks for play by shaking the wheels and visually inspecting the suspension. Worn rubbers are often visible to the naked eye: tears, hardened spots or loose parts are clear signs that replacement is needed.
Loose fixings and joints
Loose bolts or poorly tightened mounting points also cause suspension noises. This occurs less often than worn rubbers, but it is a known cause of knocking sounds. A simple check can sometimes already bring improvement. Tightening fixings also helps, according to some owners.
This problem sometimes occurs after maintenance work. It can also appear after replacing components. A trustworthy garage always checks all fixings. This is done after repairs to the suspension.
Incorrect wheel alignment
A crooked steering wheel or nervous driving feel points to incorrect wheel alignment. This is not a direct suspension defect, but it is often related to wear in control arm bushes or shock absorbers. The alignment is not correct. Tyres wear unevenly. The steering feel changes.
After replacing suspension components, always have the alignment checked again. This prevents new problems and ensures stable handling.
What can you do as an owner?
Take action at the first signs of creaking or knocking noises. Early checks prevent small issues from developing into expensive repairs. Some steps you can take yourself. Others are best left to a garage.
Have the suspension checked for play
Ask a mechanic to check the wheel suspension. Play in control arms, anti-roll bars and mounting points must be checked. This can be done during a routine service or as a separate inspection. An experienced mechanic quickly recognises where the play is and which components need to be replaced.
Check tyres and tyre pressures
Incorrect tyre pressure increases noises and vibrations. Uneven tyre wear does the same. Check the pressure regularly. Inspect the tyres for irregular wear on the inner or outer edges. This is an extra indication of suspension or alignment issues.
Ask for professional wheel alignment
If the steering wheel is crooked or the steering feel is off, professional wheel alignment is the first step. This corrects the steering issue and also reduces the risk of uneven wear on tyres and other components.
Be vigilant with a used XC40
Buying a used XC40? During the test drive, listen carefully for rattles, ticks and odd steering feel. Drive over speed bumps and cobblestones. This helps you track down noises. Ask the seller about known maintenance problems. Check the service history for replaced components.
‘ The differences in quality are not significant. ’
Repair costs for the Volvo XC40 suspension
The costs of repairing suspension problems vary. Which parts are replaced? What hourly rate does the garage charge? That determines the total. Replacing the rubbers in the anti-roll bars is a minor repair. These costs range from 150 to 300 euros including labour. It is a relatively simple job that can be completed within a few hours.
With larger repairs, you replace control arms or several components at once. Costs can then rise to 500 to 1,000 euros or more. The number of parts plays a role, as does the availability of original or alternative parts. Independent garages often work with alternative brands. These are cheaper than genuine Volvo parts. The differences in quality are not significant.
Professional wheel alignment costs between 50 and 100 euros. This is a sensible investment after replacing suspension components. It extends the lifespan of the tyres and the suspension.
Always ask for a quotation in advance. Have the mechanic clearly explain which parts he is replacing. This prevents surprises and gives you insight into why the repair is necessary.
Preventive maintenance avoids costly repairs
Regular maintenance helps to prevent major problems. Timely checks of the suspension are also important. During the annual service, have the suspension inspected. Do the same during the MOT. A mechanic detects early wear, before noises or stability issues appear.
Keep an eye on changes in driving behaviour yourself. Also listen for new noises. Early warning signs are easier to resolve and cheaper too. Problems that are ignored for a long time are more expensive to fix. In doubt? Don’t wait for the next service. Book an inspection straight away.
On the Carnews website you will find much more information. There you can read about common issues with different car makes and models. Practical maintenance tips are also available. You will also find buying advice for used cars. Explore more articles and expand your knowledge about your favourite car.
Frequently asked questions
The most common suspension problems with a Volvo XC40 are knocking, creaking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially over speed bumps or poor road surfaces, and a restless or vibrating driving feel. A crooked steering wheel and alignment issues are also regularly reported, sometimes combined with irregular tyre wear. You can recognise these problems by audible ticks/rattles over uneven surfaces, a steering wheel that is not straight when driving in a straight line, or a nervous, wobbly feel in the car. If you notice these signals, it’s wise to have the suspension (rubbers, control arms, anti-roll bars) and the wheel alignment checked.
On the Volvo XC40, the rubber bushes in the control arms and anti-roll bars are particularly vulnerable, because they are constantly under mechanical load and age over time, leading to play and knocking or creaking noises. Components that affect wheel alignment (such as knuckles and suspension geometry) are also sensitive, because small deviations immediately cause a crooked steering wheel and unsettled handling. Loosening or worn fixings and joints in the suspension can likewise quickly cause annoying noises and vibrations.
Suspension problems on a Volvo XC40 can lead to more body movement, unsettled damping and vibrations, making the driving dynamics less tight and predictable. Knocking or creaking parts in the suspension affect the feeling of control, especially over speed bumps and poor road surfaces. Incorrect wheel alignment or play in suspension components can reduce straight-line stability and indirectly have a negative effect on braking distance by reducing the contact between tyre and road. In extreme or neglected cases this can compromise safety, because the car reacts less stably in evasive or emergency situations.
Common suspension problems on the Volvo XC40 include knocking or creaking noises, vibrations and a restless driving feel, and sometimes a crooked steering wheel due to alignment errors. Solutions usually involve checking and, if necessary, replacing rubbers, bushes, control arms and anti-roll bars, plus professional wheel alignment. Costs for small jobs such as alignment or replacing individual rubbers are typically in the low hundreds of euros, depending on the workshop and parts prices. In cases of more extensive wear (multiple control arms or a complete set of suspension components), the costs can rise to several hundred euros or well over a thousand euros.
Yes, preventive measures are possible: regular checks of rubbers, bushes, control arms and anti-roll bars, plus timely replacement when early play appears, help to prevent wear noises and unsettled driving behaviour. Periodic professional wheel alignment (for example after hitting a kerb or after changing tyres/wheels) extends tyre life and relieves the suspension. Upgrades can include higher-quality replacement parts (for example reinforced rubbers/bushes) and choosing suitable tyres (quality and correct size) to improve comfort and stability. Finally, driving with the correct tyre pressures and avoiding hard impacts over speed bumps or potholes greatly contributes to a longer lifespan for the XC40 suspension.