NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 Safety Ratings
The 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 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
The 2020 Volvo XC40 T5 achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in its overall NHTSA crash rating, contributing to a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it in the Strong band. This model year also stands out with a record of zero recalls. However, a notable concern for potential owners is a very low avoidance-tech score, a factor that warrants careful consideration in assessing its overall safety profile.
The 2020 Volvo XC40 T5 SUV AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 based on NHTSA 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 T5 ranks 38 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 38 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5?
For the 2020 Volvo XC40 T5, the most notable safety characteristic is its complete absence of recalls. This record, combined with a near-perfect defect sub-score of 19 out of 20, is the primary driver of its 87/100 Safety Index, placing it firmly in the Strong band. While no prior-year Index is available for comparison, these figures stand on their own merits. Crash protection for the XC40 T5 is robust, as evidenced by its 66 out of 70 sub-score, reflecting 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact tests. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score is a low 2 out of 10. This is attributed to the lack of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this trim. Electronic stability control is standard, providing a baseline of active safety. The 11 reported owner complaints are modest for a vehicle of this age. While overall numbers are low, the clustering of three unverified allegations each around Service Brakes and the Electrical System merits monitoring. Interestingly, two complaints cite issues with Forward Collision Avoidance despite it not being listed as standard equipment, suggesting some owners may have equipped this feature optionally. The 2020 Volvo XC40 T5 demonstrates strong performance in structured crash tests and has maintained a clean recall record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Volvo XC40 T5 achieved a 16 percent rollover risk, earning a four-star rating in this category. Its dynamic tip test yielded a No Tip result. The model scored five out of five stars overall from NHTSA, with perfect five-star ratings in both frontal and side impact crash tests. All crash categories were fully rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14300
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2020 Volvo XC40 T5. NHTSA records show zero recall actions for this specific model year. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this vehicle. Used-market shoppers should still run a VIN check, as records can be updated.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5?
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 filings.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5?
Before purchasing this six-year-old vehicle, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup to confirm no campaigns have been added since this data was compiled. Verify that any optional safety technology, such as forward collision avoidance, was actually installed and has not had remedy work left incomplete.
- Zero recalls are on file for the 2020 XC40 T5, contributing directly to a defect-record sub-score of 19/20 and anchoring the 87/100 Safety Index.
- NHTSA awarded five stars in both frontal and side crash tests for this model year, with rollover rated four stars and a measured rollover risk of 16 percent.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2/10 reflects the absence of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this trim, a specific gap that distinguishes this year's Index from its crash-protection score.
- Eleven unverified complaints on file include three each for Service Brakes and Electrical System, and two each for Power Train, Engine, and Forward Collision Avoidance, the brake and electrical clusters being the most concentrated reported concerns for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 places
The 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 safety questions
Was the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5, 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 T5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 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 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5 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 T5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Volvo Xc40 T5. 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 T5 years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14300), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volvo Xc40 T5 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 38 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.