2003 Volvo S40 · 2,568 MOT tests
2003 Volvo S40 reliability
2003 Volvo S40s fail 49.3% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 12 S40 years (2,568 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- 49.3%
- 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 19
- 99,218
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,568
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 7.3% of tests fail here (75% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 19% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Volvo S40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics25.2%
- Suspension18%
- Brakes17.8%
- Body, chassis and structure7.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.3%
- Steering7.3%
- Tyres6.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 8.61%
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 4.67%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.17%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.01%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.89%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 3.54%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.3%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.97%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.77%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.9%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.13%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.13%)
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 2003 Volvo S40 reliable?
2003 Volvo S40s fail 49.3% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 12 S40 years (2,568 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Volvo S40 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (8.61% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.67% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.17% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Volvo S40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Volvo S40 shows 99,218 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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