2008 Volvo S40 · 10,995 MOT tests
2008 Volvo S40 reliability
2008 Volvo S40s fail 43% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 12 S40 years (10,995 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- 43%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- 108,590
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 15
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,995
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- 2009 cars: about average for its age (the 2008 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 4.2% of tests fail here (20% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 21% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Volvo S40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.6%
- Suspension17.5%
- Brakes10.3%
- Tyres8.6%
- Body, chassis and structure7.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 7.63%
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 4.65%
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 3.48%
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 3.41%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Registration plate lamp not working 2.75%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.72%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (18.76%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.03%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.72%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.95%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.23%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (6.25%)
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 2008 Volvo S40 reliable?
2008 Volvo S40s fail 43% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 12 S40 years (10,995 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Volvo S40 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (7.63% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.65% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (3.48% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Volvo S40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 15, a typical 2008 Volvo S40 shows 108,590 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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