2002 Volvo S40 · 1,764 MOT tests
2002 Volvo S40 reliability
2002 Volvo S40s fail 48.6% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 12 S40 years (1,764 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- 48.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 97,769
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,764
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- 2003 cars: 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 6.7% of tests fail here (67% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 22% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Volvo S40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics24.8%
- Suspension19.7%
- Brakes15.8%
- Body, chassis and structure10%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.1%
- Steering6.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 7.88%
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 5.44%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.76%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.85%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.63%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 3.46%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.65%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (13.83%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.3%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.22%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.99%)
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 2002 Volvo S40 reliable?
2002 Volvo S40s fail 48.6% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 12 S40 years (1,764 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Volvo S40 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (7.88% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.44% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.76% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Volvo S40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Volvo S40 shows 97,769 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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