Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Volvo XC40
Our scoring places the 2021 Volvo XC40 at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 9.0/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.2/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 9.0/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance scores 7.0/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.9/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $35,626–$47,664, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Volvo XC40 sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Volvo XC40 is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2021 Volvo XC40 ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $35,626 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
$0 — 5 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which XC40 Year Should You Buy?
Across the XC40 model years we've scored, the 2021 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Volvo XC40 (5 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Electrical system / Propulsion system / Traction battery / Management system/energy control module (bms/becm) / Software 24/02/2021 · 21V109000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2022 XC40 Recharge vehicles. The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) microprocessor may reset and cause the high voltage system to disconnect.
Seat belts / Front / Retractor 01/09/2021 · 21V682000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021 XC40, XC 40 Recharge, V60CC, V90, V90CC, XC90, and 2021-2022 V60, XC60, S60 vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system…
Engine 12/11/2021 · 21V881000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo) is recalling certain 2021 XC40 BEV vehicles. A bolt that secures the cross-member bracket for the electrical motor in the engine compartment may be loose or missing.
Back over prevention / Software 08/05/2025 · 25V282000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in…
Back over prevention / Software 23/12/2025 · 25V908000
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Volvo XC40 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Volvo XC40
Is the 2021 Volvo XC40 reliable?
We rate the 2021 Volvo XC40's reliability 7.2/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Volvo XC40 have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Volvo XC40 worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 70% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Volvo XC40 cost?
The 2021 Volvo XC40 starts at $35,626 and ranges up to $47,664 across trims (MSRP when new). At 26 MPG, expect roughly $2,019/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which XC40 years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 8 XC40 model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (7.9/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2021 Volvo XC40 have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Volvo XC40 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Electrical system, Seat belts, Engine, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Volvo XC40
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More Volvo Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Volvo models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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