Volvo XC40 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo XC40 is a family suv. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 140 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 80 of 442, and 10.0% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is brake pads (3.0% of tests).
Ranked 80 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 5 of 31 family SUVs
In 2024, 63,770 Volvo XC40s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 10.0% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo XC40 is 29% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 9.0% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
10.0%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
9.0%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,200
Typical age at test: 4 years
Volvo XC40 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo XC40 MOT faults
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.0% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.9% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed0.7% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too high0.5% of tests
What the Volvo XC40 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.2% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Brakes | 3.4% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Visibility | 1.2% | ▼ 63% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 1.1% | ▼ 66% less often |
| Suspension | 0.4% | ▼ 60% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.4% | ▼ 53% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | ▼ 45% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.2% | ▼ 39% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 71% less often |
| Steering | 0.0% | ▼ 88% less often |
What MPG does the Volvo XC40 do?
Official economy for the Volvo XC40 ranges from 34 to 58.9mpg across the 399 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2018–2025). A typical petrol version manages 42.1mpg. Electric versions average 3 miles per kWh, with an official range of 262 to 334 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo XC40?
Any Volvo XC40 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo XC40 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £170 to £325 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo XC40 specs and running costs
Official figures for 399 versions sold in the UK between 2018 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Electric, Hybrid, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
34.0–58.9 mpg
Electric range
262–334 miles
Efficiency
3.0–4.0 mi/kWh
CO2
41–189 g/km
Power
129–408 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC40 Recharge Core231 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 Recharge Plus231 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 Recharge Ultimate231 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 Recharge Single Motor Core238 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 Recharge Single Motor Plus238 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 Recharge Single Motor Ultimate238 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 Recharge Twin Plus408 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 Recharge Twin Ultimate408 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 Recharge Twin Motor Core408 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 Recharge Twin Motor Plus408 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 4 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 Recharge Twin Motor Ultimate408 PS · N/A · listed 2025 | Electric | 3 mi/kWh | 0g | £200 | 4% |
| XC40 T2 Start129 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 37.1 mpg | 173g | £200 | 37% |
| XC40 B3 Core163 PS · 8AT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 152g | £200 | 36% |
| XC40 B3 Plus - Dark Theme163 PS · 8AT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 152g | £200 | 36% |
| XC40 B3 Core163 PS · 7AT-FWD · listed 2025 | Petrol | 42.1 mpg | 152g | £200 | 36% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 399 versions.
What a Volvo XC40 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 42.1mpg…
- Electric, typical official 3 miles per kWh…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out your charging costsWork out a journey in a Volvo XC40Buying a used Volvo XC40?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Volvo XC40 with other family SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo XC40 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Volvo XC40 is 29% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 140 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo XC40?
The most common MOT fault is “Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick”, found in 3.0% of tests. It fails on brakes more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Volvo XC40 do?
Official economy for the Volvo XC40 ranges from 34 to 58.9mpg across the 399 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2018–2025). A typical petrol version manages 42.1mpg. Electric versions average 3 miles per kWh, with an official range of 262 to 334 miles. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volvo XC40?
Any Volvo XC40 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo XC40 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £170 to £325 a year.
›How many Volvo XC40s fail their MOT?
10.0% of Volvo XC40s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 9.0% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo XC40 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.