Family hatchback · 1996–2020 cars

Volvo V40 reliability

The Volvo V40 fails 25.9% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 319,780 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Below averageReliability score 41/100#40 of 65 family hatchbacks

Checking a Volvo V40 before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 25.9%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 10% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 319,780; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 8,900; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Volvo V40 is a mixed bag at MOT. Its first-time fail rate is 25.9%, below the 28.4% for all cars, but it has 10% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. The 2013 model is the best year, with 5% fewer fails than comparable cars, while the 2000 model is the weakest, with 22% more. Suspension is the weak spot, with 48% more fails there than comparable cars.

A below-average model can still be a good buy if you check the right things. Ask for proof of recent work and look closely at the suspension, especially the coil springs. Before you buy, check for the top four MOT failures: broken coil springs, tyre tread below 1.6mm, exposed tyre ply or cords, and brake pads below 1.5mm.

MOT fail rate by age

How the Volvo V40 ages

Each point is the share of Volvo V40s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Volvo V40All cars

Volvo V40 first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Volvo V40	All cars
3	14.3%	12.3%
4	17.3%	14.1%
5	19.8%	16.4%
6	23.5%	19.1%
7	25.9%	22.1%
8	28.7%	25.5%
9	30%	28.8%
10	31%	31.8%
11	32.3%	34.6%
12	31.4%	37.3%
17	51.6%	43.4%
18	53.8%	43.5%
19	53%	43.4%
20	49.8%	42.8%
21	50.4%	41.4%
22	49.8%	40.6%
23	46.3%	38.9%
24	49.9%	37.1%
25	51.9%	35.8%

By year

The best and worst Volvo V40 years

2013 cars come out best and 2000 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Volvo V40 MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2019 V40	20,233	15.1%	15% more fails	30,214
2018 V40	41,576	17.7%	20% more fails	35,887
2017 V40	44,742	20.5%	15% more fails	46,316
2016 V40	51,750	24.2%	15% more fails	56,316
2015 V40	52,249	28.4%	14% more fails	68,635
2014 V40	51,606	29.4%	4% more fails	77,832
2013 V40	35,642	30.3%	5% fewer fails	89,386
2012 V40	7,392	33.6%	2% fewer fails	97,195
2004 V40	3,169	52.8%	18% more fails	121,080
2003 V40	3,874	52.6%	18% more fails	123,806
2002 V40	2,659	50.8%	16% more fails	122,050
2001 V40	2,000	46.7%	10% more fails	114,361
2000 V40	1,178	49.8%	22% more fails	109,297
1999	924	49.4%	28% more fails	102,948
1998	475	51.6%	40% more fails	91,129

Common problems

What fails most on a Volvo V40

Its weak spot is suspension: 48% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Suspension9.1%48% above avg
Tyres7.7%25% above avg
Lights and electrics6.3%22% below avg
Brakes5.3%2% above avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.7%32% below avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.5%16% above avg
Body, chassis and structure2%3% below avg
Seat belts and airbags0.6%13% below avg
Steering0.6%55% below avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.21% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.15% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
3
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.09% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.05% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
5
Position lamp not working 1.63% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
6
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.47% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
7
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.29% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
8
Headlamp aim set too low 1.13% of tests
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Volvo V40's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit15.37%
Brake pads wearing thin9.17%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking7.07%
Brake disc pitted or scored5.42%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear2.82%
Child seat limits belt inspection2.06%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Volvo V40

1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
3
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical Volvo V40 covers about 8,900 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Diesel64.7%
Petrol35.3%
LPG0%

Most common colours

Blue, Black, Grey, White, Silver

Average engine size: 1.8 litres.

Compare

How the Volvo V40 compares with its rivals

Volvo V40 against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
BMW 2 Series	14.3%	20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Toyota Corolla	32.2%	9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Mazda 3	31.9%	8% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Volvo V40	25.9%	10% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Kia Ceed	32.7%	16% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Hyundai i30	34%	20% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Renault Megane	45.1%	30% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all Volvo models.

Questions

Volvo V40 questions, answered

Is the Volvo V40 reliable?

On MOT results, the Volvo V40 is below average: it fails 25.9% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 40 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.

What fails most on a Volvo V40 MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Volvo V40 are coil spring fractured or broken (6.21% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.15% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (2.09% of tests). By area, suspension fails 9.1% of its tests.

Which Volvo V40 year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2013 cars do best (5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2000 cars do worst (22% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Volvo V40 do a year?

A typical Volvo V40 covers about 8,900 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a Volvo V40 before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

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