2003 Volvo V40 · 3,874 MOT tests
2003 Volvo V40 reliability
2003 Volvo V40s fail 52.6% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 13 V40 years (3,874 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2003 Volvo V40?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V40s: 25.9%)
- 52.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V40s: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 18% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 123,806
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,874
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 10.4% of tests fail here (114% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 16% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Volvo V40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics26.3%
- Suspension20.3%
- Brakes19.2%
- Steering10.4%
- Body, chassis and structure10.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.1%
- Tyres7.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 9.27%
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 5.14%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 5.11%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.52%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 4.31%
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 4.31%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (17.6%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.28%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (13.55%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.66%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.29%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.09%)
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 2003 Volvo V40 reliable?
2003 Volvo V40s fail 52.6% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 13 V40 years (3,874 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Volvo V40 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (9.27% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.14% of tests), steering rack gaiter no longer sealed (5.11% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Volvo V40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Volvo V40 shows 123,806 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Check a 2003 Volvo V40 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.