NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 40 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Volvo XC40 T4 achieves an Exceptional rating with a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, reflecting its robust performance in federal safety assessments. This model year registered no recalls with NHTSA, a significant indicator of its manufacturing integrity. The XC40 T4's strong crash-test scores further solidify its standing, presenting it as a highly protective option in the used SUV market.
The 2021 Volvo XC40 T4 holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 ranks 18 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 40 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 18 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4?
The 2021 Volvo XC40 T4 marks a notable step forward in the XC40 safety record. The NHTSA Safety Index rose to 92/100, an Exceptional rating, up from 87/100 in 2020, which sat in the Strong band. That five-point gain is driven by a near-perfect crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70, reflecting the NHTSA sweep of 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings. The avoidance-tech subscore of 7 out of 10 reflects the presence of standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, offset by the absence of standard lane departure warning on this trim. The defect record subscore of 18.75 out of 20 is anchored by the clean recall slate, which shows zero campaigns for this model year. The 40 unverified complaints on file, with Electrical System allegations leading at 12 reports, are worth monitoring but do not by themselves alter the safety picture. The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars and a 16 percent rollover risk are the one area where this model year falls short of a perfect sweep, a distinction worth noting for buyers who prioritize that specific metric.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Volvo XC40 T4 achieved a 5 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching the top score in both frontal and side crash protection. Its rollover resistance, however, warrants closer examination, earning 4 out of 5 stars with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent. The dynamic tip test concluded with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15720
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 have any recalls?
The 2021 Volvo XC40 T4 has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside advisory and no do-not-drive order have been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall records can be updated at any time after a vehicle enters the used market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4?
NHTSA has received 40 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 12 reports, the Fuel/Propulsion System with 7, and Visibility/Wiper systems with 5. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
40 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4?
Before purchasing this 5-year-old vehicle, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have been added since original sale. Verify that any future recall remedy has been completed at a Volvo dealership before taking delivery.
- The 2021 XC40 T4 Safety Index of 92/100 represents a five-point improvement over the 2020 model year score of 87/100, moving from the Strong band into the Exceptional band.
- NHTSA recorded zero recall campaigns specifically for the 2021 XC40 T4, a clean defect record that contributes directly to the 18.75 out of 20 defect subscore.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on this trim, a gap reflected in the avoidance-tech subscore of 7 out of 10 and worth confirming on any specific vehicle being evaluated.
- The 40 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year are led by Electrical System allegations at 12 reports, with the most recent filed as recently as mid-2025, suggesting active consumer reporting continues on this vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 places
The 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 safety questions
Was the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 40 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T4. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Xc40 T4 years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15720), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volvo Xc40 T4 2021.
- 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 18 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.