2001 Volvo S40 · 1,255 MOT tests
2001 Volvo S40 reliability
2001 Volvo S40s fail 43.8% of first MOT tests, 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 12 S40 years (1,255 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- 43.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 7% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 95,395
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,255
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1% of tests fail here (20% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 38% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Volvo S40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22.5%
- Suspension14.7%
- Brakes13.3%
- Body, chassis and structure8.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.1%
- Tyres6.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 6.22%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.82%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.59%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.35%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Registration plate lamp not working 3.27%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.11%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (19.2%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (13.63%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.67%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.55%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.08%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (8.21%)
Other years
Every Volvo S40 year
The full picture: Volvo S40 reliability. Before you pay for any Volvo S40, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2001 Volvo S40 reliable?
2001 Volvo S40s fail 43.8% of first MOT tests, 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 12 S40 years (1,255 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Volvo S40 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (6.22% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.82% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (3.59% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Volvo S40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Volvo S40 shows 95,395 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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