2012 Volvo V40 · 7,392 MOT tests
2012 Volvo V40 reliability
2012 Volvo V40s fail 33.6% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 13 V40 years (7,392 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2012 Volvo V40?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V40s: 25.9%)
- 33.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V40s: 25.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 2% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 10
- 97,195
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 10
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,392
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: brakes, 9.6% of tests fail here (23% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 27% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Volvo V40
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12%
- Suspension11.6%
- Brakes9.6%
- Tyres8.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.8%
- Body, chassis and structure2.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.69%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Direction indicator wrong colour 3.49%
An indicator showing the wrong colour may confuse other drivers, so the lens or bulb should be replaced.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 2.79%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.54%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.53%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.41%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.86%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.67%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.85%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.37%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.2%) · Indicator lens slightly discoloured (4.52%)
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 2012 Volvo V40 reliable?
2012 Volvo V40s fail 33.6% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 13 V40 years (7,392 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Volvo V40 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.69% of tests), direction indicator wrong colour (3.49% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (2.79% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Volvo V40 have done?
At its MOT aged about 10, a typical 2012 Volvo V40 shows 97,195 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Check a 2012 Volvo V40 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.