2005 Volvo S40 · 5,851 MOT tests
2005 Volvo S40 reliability
2005 Volvo S40s fail 45.3% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 12 S40 years (5,851 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- 45.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 114,049
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,851
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1% of tests fail here (65% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 66% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Volvo S40
Fail rate by area
- Suspension20.8%
- Lights and electrics17.5%
- Brakes13.2%
- Tyres10.2%
- Body, chassis and structure8.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 5.47%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.11%
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 4.39%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.37%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 3.2%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 2.89%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.81%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (11.57%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.25%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (8.67%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.25%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.59%)
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 2005 Volvo S40 reliable?
2005 Volvo S40s fail 45.3% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 12 S40 years (5,851 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Volvo S40 MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (5.47% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.11% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.39% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Volvo S40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2005 Volvo S40 shows 114,049 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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