2021 Volvo XC40 Plus Recharge Twin EV AWD: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Volvo XC40 Plus Recharge Twin EV AWDs, from 401 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 401 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2021 Volvo XC40 Plus Recharge Twin EV AWD MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Brakes5% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts4% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints2% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults
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 recallsAll 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.
- Vibration through the carAll engines
Some owners report vibration through the chassis and suspension.
At the viewing: Feel for vibration at different speeds.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 249 | Tyres 35% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Volvo XC40 Plus Recharge Twin EV AWDs registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score