2012 Volvo S40 · 4,346 MOT tests
2012 Volvo S40 reliability
2012 Volvo S40s fail 36.7% of first MOT tests, 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 12 S40 years (4,346 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- 36.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo S40s: 42.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 7% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 92,460
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,346
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 8.2% of tests fail here (109% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 55% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Volvo S40
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17%
- Lights and electrics12.4%
- Body, chassis and structure8.2%
- Tyres7.7%
- Brakes7.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 7.75%
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 6.12%
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%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.53%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.14%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.12%
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 (18.36%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (12.66%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.57%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.57%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.01%) · Indicator lens slightly discoloured (3.57%)
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 2012 Volvo S40 reliable?
2012 Volvo S40s fail 36.7% of first MOT tests, 7% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 12 S40 years (4,346 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Volvo S40 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (7.75% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (6.12% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (4% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Volvo S40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Volvo S40 shows 92,460 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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