2004 Volvo V40 · 3,169 MOT tests
2004 Volvo V40 reliability
2004 Volvo V40s fail 52.8% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 13 V40 years (3,169 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V40s: 25.9%)
- 52.8%
- 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 18
- 121,080
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,169
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: about average for its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 8.8% of tests fail here (163% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 23% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Volvo V40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics26.5%
- Brakes19.2%
- Suspension19.1%
- Body, chassis and structure9.9%
- Steering9%
- Seat belts and airbags8.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 10.07%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 6.15%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.21%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.08%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.73%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 4.29%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (17.01%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.07%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (13.16%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.42%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.46%)
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 2004 Volvo V40 reliable?
2004 Volvo V40s fail 52.8% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 13 V40 years (3,169 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Volvo V40 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (10.07% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (6.15% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (5.21% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Volvo V40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Volvo V40 shows 121,080 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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