2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin EV AWD Electricity · YY71 CYL

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 14 May 2026, resulted in a pass for this Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin EV AWD, though two advisories were recorded against the vehicle. The first advisory relates to a nearside rear child seat being fitted at the time of test, which prevented full inspection of the adult seatbelt, and this is purely an inspection limitation rather than an indication of any mechanical defect. The second advisory notes slight damage, cracking, or perishing to the nearside rear tyre, which warrants attention. Looking at the broader three-year MOT history, the vehicle has passed each annual test without any prior advisories or failures, suggesting a stable and well-maintained mechanical condition with no emerging pattern of deterioration across braking, suspension, lighting, or structural components. This clean trajectory is reassuring for a prospective buyer and indicates that the vehicle has been kept in good roadworthy order throughout its recent life. The recorded mileage of 37,375 miles over approximately five years equates to an annual usage rate of around 7,475 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. This moderate usage pattern suggests the car has been driven regularly rather than left standing for long intervals, which is generally beneficial for an electric vehicle because lithium-ion traction batteries, 12V auxiliary systems, drive unit lubricants, and brake components all benefit from consistent exercise. There are no significant gaps in the recorded mileage between test entries that would suggest prolonged periods of inactivity, which can otherwise lead to issues such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, or tyre flat-spotting and sidewall degradation. The steady accumulation of miles also implies normal wear rates for consumables rather than the accelerated degradation typically associated with high-mileage use. Despite the largely clean MOT history, the advisory regarding tyre perishing on the nearside rear tyre should not be overlooked. Tyre rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth, and cracking on the sidewall or between the tread blocks often indicates the tyre is approaching the end of its service life even if sufficient tread remains. On a test drive, listen for any increase in road noise from the rear, check for pulling under braking, and visually inspect all four tyres for similar cracking patterns, particularly given that tyres fitted at the same time typically degrade at similar rates. Replacement of all four tyres as a matching set is advisable on an electric AWD vehicle to preserve traction control calibration and ensure even wear characteristics across both axles. Beyond the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should conduct several practical checks appropriate to the age and mileage of this vehicle. Given that the car is now five years old, the 12V auxiliary battery, which manages critical control systems and starts the high-voltage system, should be tested for health and state of charge, as conventional lead-acid batteries of this age commonly require replacement. Brake discs and calipers should be inspected for any surface corrosion or signs of binding, particularly if the vehicle has been driven in damp or winter conditions, and the brake fluid should be verified against its replacement interval, as hygroscopic fluid degrades over time regardless of mileage. The high-voltage traction battery state of health should ideally be confirmed through a diagnostic readout, and all drive unit lubricants and coolant systems should be checked in accordance with Volvo's service schedule. Finally, a thorough inspection of the charging port, cable, and any underbody protection should be undertaken, together with verification of the digital service history and any outstanding manufacturer recalls or software updates relevant to the XC40 Recharge platform.