2004 Volvo S40 · 4,594 MOT tests
2004 Volvo S40 reliability
2004 Volvo S40s fail 48% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 12 S40 years (4,594 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- 48%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 102,143
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,594
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 5.8% of tests fail here (39% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 20% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Volvo S40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22%
- Suspension18.4%
- Brakes17%
- Body, chassis and structure9.8%
- Tyres8.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.33%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 6.14%
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 5.62%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 5.59%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 4.05%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Headlamp aim set too low 3.2%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.45%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.12%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.4%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.9%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.44%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.99%)
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 2004 Volvo S40 reliable?
2004 Volvo S40s fail 48% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 12 S40 years (4,594 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Volvo S40 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (6.33% of tests), position lamp not working (6.14% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.62% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Volvo S40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Volvo S40 shows 102,143 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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