2011 Volvo S40 · 5,159 MOT tests
2011 Volvo S40 reliability
2011 Volvo S40s fail 40.7% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 12 S40 years (5,159 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- 40.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 100,809
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,159
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 8% of tests fail here (71% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 40% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Volvo S40
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17.8%
- Lights and electrics15.6%
- Tyres9.4%
- Body, chassis and structure8%
- Brakes7.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.09%
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 6.07%
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 4.17%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Position lamp not working 3.37%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 3.33%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.87%
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 (19.52%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.82%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.85%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.77%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.54%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (3.76%)
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 2011 Volvo S40 reliable?
2011 Volvo S40s fail 40.7% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 12 S40 years (5,159 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Volvo S40 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (6.09% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (6.07% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (4.17% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Volvo S40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Volvo S40 shows 100,809 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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