2021 Volvo XC40 electric: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Volvo XC40 electric?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Volvo XC40 electric than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Tyre condition1.8× usual
  Volvo XC40

  18.4% All 2021 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 3.6% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints5× usual
  Volvo XC40

  2% All 2021 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2021 Volvo XC40 electric MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Volvo XC40 electric MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  30% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Brakes
  3% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  2% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Driveshafts and joints
  2% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2021 Volvo XC40 electric

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Brake servo and emergency braking recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered brake servos not properly secured (2020 and 2021), emergency braking software, rear seat latches, a wiring harness that could chafe, and a loose high-voltage battery on electrified versions.

  At the viewing: Ask a Volvo dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC40 (Mk1, 2018 on) review

• Vibration through the car

  All engines

  Some owners report vibration through the chassis and suspension.

  At the viewing: Feel for vibration at different speeds.

  Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC40 (Mk1, 2018 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Volvo XC40 electric

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have all the recalls been done, especially the brake servo ones?
2. Any recent work on the tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2021 Volvo XC40 electric as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2021 Volvo XC40 electric as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?