2010 Volvo S40 · 7,284 MOT tests
2010 Volvo S40 reliability
2010 Volvo S40s fail 42% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 12 S40 years (7,284 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- 42%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 102,976
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,284
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2010 against the years either side
- 2009 cars: about average for its age (the 2010 car does worse)
- 2011 cars: 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 4.7% of tests fail here (50% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 18% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2010 car carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
Common problems
What fails on a 2010 Volvo S40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.1%
- Suspension18.3%
- Tyres9.1%
- Brakes8.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.8%
- Body, chassis and structure4.8%
- Steering4.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 6%
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 5.81%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.68%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.92%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 2.8%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Registration plate lamp not working 2.77%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.26%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (11.26%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.7%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.33%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.92%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.56%)
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 2010 Volvo S40 reliable?
2010 Volvo S40s fail 42% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 12 S40 years (7,284 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2010 Volvo S40 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (6% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.81% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (3.68% of tests).
How many miles should a 2010 Volvo S40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2010 Volvo S40 shows 102,976 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2010 car?
A car first registered in 2010 carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
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