Last updated: 2026-04-20

Volvo XC40

2 Volvo XC40 Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Volvo XC40 average of 58/100

The Volvo XC40 years to avoid are 2021, 2023 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 46/100. The best Volvo XC40 year to buy is 2020 71/100.

Verdict

The 2021, 2023 Volvo XC40 score significantly below the model average of 58/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 46/100 due to electrical system (9) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 60/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Volvo XC40 Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Volvo XC40 average of 58/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202146/100Mixed340Electrical System (9)
2202348/100Mixed435Electrical System (8)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

46
MixedReliability score: 46 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 Volvo XC40

The 2021 Volvo XC40 has mixed reliability. There are 3 recalls and 40 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Volvo XC40. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (9), Unknown Or Other (5), Fuel Propulsion System (4).

3 recalls40 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (9), Unknown Or Other (5), Fuel Propulsion System (4), Power Train (4), Back Over Prevention (3), Service Brakes (3)

View full 2021reliability report →
48
MixedReliability score: 48 out of 100, rated Mixed

2023 Volvo XC40

The 2023 Volvo XC40 has mixed reliability. There are 4 recalls and 35 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Volvo XC40. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (8), Back Over Prevention (7), Unknown Or Other (4).

4 recalls35 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (8), Back Over Prevention (7), Unknown Or Other (4), Service Brakes (3), Steering (2), Visibility Wiper (2)

View full 2023reliability report →

What Are Common Volvo XC40 Problems?

Top reported issues across all Volvo XC40 model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

24 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

17 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2023

BACK OVER PREVENTION

14 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2023, 2024

SERVICE BRAKES

13 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2023

POWER TRAIN

8 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2023

Best Volvo XC40 Year to Buy Instead

60
GoodReliability score: 60 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Volvo XC40

The 2019 Volvo XC40 has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 29 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Volvo XC40. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Service Brakes (4), Air Bags (4).

Score: 60/100 (Good)4 recalls29 complaints
View full 2019reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Volvo XC40 year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Volvo XC40 Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Volvo XC40 Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2019–2024 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Volvo XC40 years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Volvo XC40 years: 2021 (score: 46/100), 2023 (score: 48/100). These model years score significantly below the Volvo XC40 average of 58/100.
What is the best year for the Volvo XC40?
The best year for the Volvo XC40 is 2020, with a reliability score of 71/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 10 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Volvo XC40 have?
Across all years in our database, the Volvo XC40 has a total of 15 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Volvo XC40 worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2020 model year, which scores 71/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 58/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Volvo XC40 problems?
The most common Volvo XC40 problems are electrical system (24 complaints), unknown or other (17 complaints), back over prevention (14 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Volvo XC40 reliable long-term?
The Volvo XC40 has an average reliability score of 58/100 across all model years in our database, rated "mixed". Reliability varies significantly by model year — choose carefully.
Which Volvo XC40 generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Volvo XC40 generation is the Second generation (EX40; 2024-present) with an average score of 64/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2020 Volvo XC40 a good used buy?
Yes, the 2020 Volvo XC40 is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 71/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 10 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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