2006 Volvo S40 · 6,767 MOT tests
2006 Volvo S40 reliability
2006 Volvo S40s fail 40.6% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 12 S40 years (6,767 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- 40.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 7% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- 115,730
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 16
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,767
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2006 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- 2007 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2006 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 8.4% of tests fail here (11% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 28% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2006 car carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
Common problems
What fails on a 2006 Volvo S40
Fail rate by area
- Suspension18.1%
- Lights and electrics15.8%
- Brakes11.3%
- Tyres8.4%
- Body, chassis and structure7.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.34%
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 3.83%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 3.78%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.38%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.09%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 2.73%
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 (18.71%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.3%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.3%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.65%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.48%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (7.29%)
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 2006 Volvo S40 reliable?
2006 Volvo S40s fail 40.6% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 12 S40 years (6,767 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2006 Volvo S40 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.34% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (3.83% of tests), position lamp not working (3.78% of tests).
How many miles should a 2006 Volvo S40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 16, a typical 2006 Volvo S40 shows 115,730 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2006 car?
A car first registered in 2006 carries a 55 plate (January–February 2006), or a 06 plate (March–August 2006), or a 56 plate (September–December 2006).
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