2021 Volvo XC40 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 91.0% of Volvo XC40s first used in 2021 passed their MOT first time, against 87.2% for all cars first used in 2021. Across 51,404 XC40 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were tyres, brakes and lamps and electrical equipment.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Volvo XC40s first used in 2021 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2021 Volvo XC40 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, XC40s first used in 2021 against all cars first used in 2021 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the XC40 figure was 3.8 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2021 XC40 | All cars first used 2021 | XC40 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | fewer than 500 tests | 82.9% | 12 |
| 2022 | fewer than 500 tests | 89.9% | 10 |
| 2023 | 91.2% | 90.8% | 935 |
| 2024 | 90.9% | 87.6% | 25,484 |
| 2025 | 91.0% | 87.2% | 24,985 |
Common 2021 Volvo XC40 MOT failures
Share of the 4,637 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 23.0% | 1,067 |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 19.7% | 915 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 12.1% | 563 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 9.4% | 438 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 8.0% | 373 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2021 Volvo XC40 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
Common 2021 Volvo XC40 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2021 XC40s, as a share of all 51,404 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 13.4% | 6,891 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 7.8% | 3,998 |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | 3.1% | 1,568 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 3.0% | 1,519 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 2.8% | 1,454 |
Questions about the 2021 Volvo XC40 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2021 Volvo XC40?
In 2025, 91.0% of XC40s first used in 2021 passed their MOT first time, against 87.2% for all cars first used in 2021. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2021 XC40 most often fail its MOT on?
Tyres (in 49.4% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (23.0%) and lamps and electrical equipment (13.5%). The single most common item was “Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords” (23.0%).
How often does a 2021 Volvo XC40 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 9.0% of first tests on XC40s first used in 2021 did not pass first time: 7.5% failed, and a further 1.4% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 4,637 of 51,404 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2021 Volvo XC40 MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 13.4% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (7.8%), “Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt” (3.1%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (3.0%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (2.8%).
Is a 2021 Volvo XC40 reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 91.2% in 2023 to 91.0% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2021
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2021 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2021 Ford Transit Custom MOT statistics · 2021 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2021 Tesla Model 3 MOT statistics · 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2021 XC40?
The numbers above cover every XC40 first used in 2021 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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