2002 Volvo V40 · 2,659 MOT tests
2002 Volvo V40 reliability
2002 Volvo V40s fail 50.8% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 13 V40 years (2,659 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2002 Volvo V40?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V40s: 25.9%)
- 50.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V40s: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 122,050
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,659
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- 2003 cars: 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 8.1% of tests fail here (71% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Volvo V40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics25%
- Suspension22.5%
- Brakes16.8%
- Body, chassis and structure10.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.1%
- Steering8.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 8.99%
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 4.96%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 4.1%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.06%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 3.91%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.54%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (19.14%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.83%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (13.65%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.62%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.91%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.91%)
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 2002 Volvo V40 reliable?
2002 Volvo V40s fail 50.8% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 13 V40 years (2,659 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Volvo V40 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (8.99% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.96% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (4.1% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Volvo V40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Volvo V40 shows 122,050 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Check a 2002 Volvo V40 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.