NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Volvo Xc40 T5 Safety Ratings
The 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5 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 T5 achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it within the Exceptional band for its model year. This performance represents a five-point gain over the prior year's iteration, based on federal data. A clean recall record further underpins this strong safety profile.
The 2021 Volvo XC40 T5 received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, based on 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 T5 ranks 19 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 | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 40 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 19 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5?
The 2021 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the XC40 T5 in safety scoring. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 87/100 in 2020 to 92/100 in 2021, a five-point gain that moved the vehicle from the Strong band into the Exceptional band. That improvement is anchored by a near-perfect crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, reflecting the NHTSA 5-star overall rating this specific model year earned. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 7 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning and electronic stability control are standard, while lane departure warning is absent, a gap that trims the technology score and is worth noting for safety-focused buyers. The defect record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20 is bolstered by the zero-recall result for this year. The 40 reported complaints, concentrated in electrical and fuel/propulsion systems, are unverified allegations but represent the most active area of consumer concern for this year and are worth monitoring as NHTSA reviews them.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5 perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Volvo XC40 T5 achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash protection. Both frontal and side impact tests resulted in perfect 5-star scores. Rollover resistance, while still good, was rated 4 out of 5 stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk identified in testing, and the vehicle did not tip in the dynamic maneuver.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15719
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 T5 have any recalls?
The 2021 Volvo XC40 T5 carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check at NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be issued at any time after this data was compiled.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5?
NHTSA has received 40 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (12 reports), Fuel/Propulsion System (7), and Visibility/Wiper systems (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and should be weighed accordingly.
40 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5?
Prospective buyers of a 2021 XC40 T5 should verify the VIN with NHTSA's recall lookup tool. While no recalls are currently on file for this model year, it remains the buyer's responsibility to confirm the completion of any future recall remedy prior to purchase.
- The 2021 XC40 T5 improved its NHTSA Safety Index by five points over the 2020 model year, jumping from 87/100 in the Strong band to 92/100 in the Exceptional band.
- NHTSA recorded zero recall campaigns for this specific model year, giving it a near-maximum defect record sub-score of 18.75 out of 20.
- Lane departure warning is absent as a standard feature on this model year, which is reflected in the avoidance-tech sub-score of 7 out of 10 and is a concrete gap compared to competitors that include it.
- Of the 40 unverified owner complaints on file, 12 allege Electrical System issues and 4 specifically cite Forward Collision Avoidance, making those two areas the most relevant to monitor as NHTSA continues to evaluate incoming reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5 places
The 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5 qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Volvo Xc40 T5 safety questions
Was the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5 crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5, 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 T5 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5 have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Volvo Xc40 T5?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 40 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (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 15719), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Volvo Xc40 T5 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 19 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.