The Volvo EX40 spans 2025–2026 with 4 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2025, 2026 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2026, 2025. It delivers up to 106 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Volvo EX40 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2025 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Volvo EX40 VIN — every digit explained
Every Volvo EX40 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Volvo and the country it was built in (real Volvo codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this EX40.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1WA · 1WU · 4V3 · 4V4 · 4V6 · 4VJ
- Mexico3CE · 3V4 · 3X1
- SwedenYV1 · YV3 · YV4
- ChinaLVY · LYV
- Canada2PC
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your EX40, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Volvo EX40 have?
The Volvo EX40 has 4 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2025–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2026 Volvo EX40 recalls 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:electric:control Module:software
What's wrong. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "B" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.
Risk. A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10329.
2025 Volvo EX40 recalls 3
Back Over Prevention:software
What's wrong. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2024 C40BEV, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40, and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk. A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2026. Owners may contact Volvo Car’s customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10333. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 16, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recall number 25V282. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 25V282 will need to have the new remedy performed.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:electric:control Module:software
What's wrong. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2023 Volvo C40 BEV, 2025 EC40, 2023-2024 XC40 BEV, 2020-2026 XC90 PHEV, 2022-2026 XC60 PHEV, 2023-2025 S60 PHEV, 2024-2025 V60 PHEV, and 2025-2026 EX40 and 2025 S90 PHEV vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "B" mode or "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.
Risk. A loss of brake function increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. Owners are advised not to use "B" Mode (for plug-in hybrid vehicles) or "One Pedal Drive" (for pure electric vehicles) until the repair has been completed. The brake module software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10329.
Back Over Prevention:software
What's wrong. Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2021-2025 XC40, 2022 V90, 2022-2025 S90, V90CC, C40, XC60, 2023-2025 S60, V60, V60CC, XC90, and 2025 EC40 and EX40 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk. A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. The software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2025. Owners may contact Volvo Car customer service at 1-800-458-1552. Volvo Car's number for this recall is R10320.
Best and worst years for the Volvo EX40
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 2 tracked years, the worst years are 2025, 2026 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2026, 2025.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 EX40 | Steering | Avoid | |
| 2026 EX40 | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Volvo EX40 problems?
The most-reported Volvo EX40 problems are Engine (1 reports), Steering (1 reports) and Power Train (1 reports) — out of 2 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Volvo EX40 specifications & dimensions
The 2025–2026 Volvo EX40 measures 175″ long on a 106″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 4,623 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Volvo EX40 window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 175″ | 73″ | 65″ | 106″ | 4,623 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Volvo EX40 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the EX40 holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Volvo EX40 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Volvo EX40 get?
The Volvo EX40 returns up to 106 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $700/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2026 Volvo EX40 gets 106 MPGe and costs about $700/yr to fuel — that's about $7,500 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 EX40 | 118 | 94 | $700 | — | — | Electric | |
| 2025 EX40 | 118 | 94 | $700 | — | 10/10 | Electric |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the EX40 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient SUVs, or calculate this EX40's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Volvo EX40 have? Power & range
The Volvo EX40 is offered with 1 powertrain — Electric. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Electric motor | Single-speed | RWD | Electricity |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Can a Volvo EX40 tow? Towing & payload
As an SUV, the Volvo EX40 is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package, on a curb weight near 4,623 lb.
What sets your EX40's tow & payload rating:
- Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
- Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
- Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
- Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.
Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.
How much does a Volvo EX40 cost to own?
A Volvo EX40 tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used EX40 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this EX40 loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $3,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the EX40 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Volvo EX40 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the EX40 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
Tired of ads? Go Pro.
- Zero ads — clean, fast pages
- Exact mileage-adjusted car values
- Full research reports + PDF
- Market charts & price-drop alerts
- …and much more
How many miles does a Volvo EX40 last?
A well-maintained Volvo EX40 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Volvo EX40’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this EX40’s VIN free →All Volvo EX40 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Volvo EX40 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 EX40 | 1 recall | — | |
| 2025 EX40 | 3 recalls | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the EX40?
By owner-complaint volume, 2025, 2026 drew the most reports. 2026, 2025 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the EX40 have?
4 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2025–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Volvo recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the EX40 get?
Up to 106 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a EX40 last?
A well-maintained EX40 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the EX40 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the EX40 is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Volvo EX40 warranty?
New Volvo models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Volvo dealer.
Where is the Volvo EX40 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your EX40's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Volvo may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a EX40 weigh?
The EX40's curb weight is around 4,623 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the EX40 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.