MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 Safety Ratings

The 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

0Recalls
11Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

For the 2020 model year, the Volvo XC40 T4 achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, a distinction not earned in all categories. While its crash-test performance stands out, the vehicle's crash-avoidance technology score was notably thin. It received a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, positioning it in the Strong band, and enters this assessment with a clean recall record.

The 2020 Volvo XC40 T4 SUV FWD received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 ranks 37 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index87 / 100 (Strong)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover5 / 5 / 4 stars
Rollover risk15.5%
Recalls on file0
Owner complaints11 (unverified allegations)
Class rank37 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4?

The 2020 Volvo XC40 T4 presents a notable contrast in its safety profile, exhibiting top-tier crash protection while revealing a significant deficiency in active-safety technology for this specific configuration. A robust crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 underpins the overall 87 out of 100 Safety Index. This high mark is directly supported by NHTSA's five-star ratings in both frontal and side impact tests, along with a commendable four-star rollover assessment. However, the vehicle's avoidance-tech sub-score registers a mere 2 out of 10. The absence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this front-wheel-drive T4 model means that electronic stability control is the sole active-safety feature contributing to its score. This omission represents a concrete gap in the vehicle's preventative safety measures for this trim and year. On the defect record, the 2020 XC40 T4 achieves the best possible outcome with a sub-score of 19 out of 20, reflecting zero recalls. The volume of owner complaints is modest, with 11 filed, none of which have led to a recall action. No prior-year Safety Index is available for comparison. The data indicates that for the 2020 model year, the Volvo XC40 T4 offers strong passive protection, but its safety standing is significantly impacted by the absence of key modern pre-crash systems.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 perform in crash tests?

The 2020 Volvo XC40 T4 achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection. This included a perfect five stars in both frontal and side impact assessments. The one area where the XC40 T4 did not secure the top rating was in rollover, receiving four out of five stars. The measured rollover risk for the vehicle was 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test yielding a "No Tip" result.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 15.5%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14301

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record19/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 have any recalls?

No recall campaigns are on file for the 2020 Volvo XC40 T4. NHTSA records show zero recall actions against this specific model year. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with it. Used-market shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall data is updated continuously.

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 at NHTSA as of 2026-10-01. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4?

Eleven owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, all unverified allegations. The most frequently cited components are Service Brakes and Electrical System, each with three reports, followed by Power Train and Engine with two each. One alleged crash and two alleged injuries appear in the dataset.

11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsService Brakes 3Electrical System 3Power Train 2Engine 2Forward Collision Avoidance 2Back Over Prevention 1

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4?

Before purchasing this six-year-old vehicle, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm no new campaigns have been issued since this data was compiled. Verify that the zero-recall status holds and that no remedy is pending. No safety recall history does not eliminate the need to verify current status.

  • The 2020 XC40 T4 FWD configuration carries no forward collision warning and no lane departure warning, resulting in an avoidance-tech sub-score of just 2 out of 10, the single largest drag on an otherwise strong Safety Index.
  • NHTSA recorded zero recall campaigns for this specific model year, earning the maximum defect-record sub-score of 19 out of 20 and leaving no open remedy work for current owners to address.
  • The rollover sub-rating of four out of five stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in the dynamic test, is the only crash-test category below the five-star ceiling for this model year.
  • Eleven unverified owner complaints on file include alleged issues spread across Service Brakes, Electrical System, Power Train, Engine, Forward Collision Avoidance, and Back Over Prevention, with one reported crash and two reported injuries among the allegations.

RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 places

The 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 safety questions

Was the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 have?

According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4 as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

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Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Xc40 T4 years

Rivals in SUV (2020)

Safest SUV rivals, 2020 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2020 Infiniti Qx5094/1005 of 52
2020 Mazda CX-394/1005 of 51
2020 Mazda CX-3093/1005 of 53
2020 Volvo Xc90 T593/1005 of 50
2020 Volvo Xc90 T693/1005 of 50
2020 Volvo Xc90 T893/1005 of 50
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14301), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volvo Xc40 T4 2020.
  • SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 37 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
  • EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
  • VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.