2001 Volvo V40 · 2,000 MOT tests
2001 Volvo V40 reliability
2001 Volvo V40s fail 46.7% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 13 V40 years (2,000 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V40s: 25.9%)
- 46.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V40s: 25.9%)
- 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 21
- 114,361
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,000
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.1% of tests fail here (49% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 6% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Volvo V40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.8%
- Suspension18.8%
- Brakes15.1%
- Body, chassis and structure9.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.2%
- Tyres6.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 6.4%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.65%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.25%
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 3.35%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.05%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.95%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.35%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.85%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.85%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.3%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.3%)
Other years
Every Volvo V40 year
The full picture: Volvo V40 reliability. Before you pay for any Volvo V40, 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 2001 Volvo V40 reliable?
2001 Volvo V40s fail 46.7% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 13 V40 years (2,000 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Volvo V40 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (6.4% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.65% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.25% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Volvo V40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Volvo V40 shows 114,361 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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