Volvo S40

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 34,754 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

71%

Total Tests

34,754

Highest Pass Rate

2012 (76%)

Years Covered

About the Volvo S40

The Volvo S40 was MOT tested 34,754 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (1996 to 2013), with an average pass rate of 71%. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 76% from 2,267 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 11 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo S40s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1996) averages 84,454 miles, while the newest (2013) averages 94,541 miles.

Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the S40 is 16 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volvo models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1984cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2013 details

How reliable is the Volvo S40?

vs average of all models-11% (82% avg)

vs Volvo brand average-16% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread11 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volvo S40 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	74%	66	94,541 mi
2012	76%	2,267	101,974 mi
2011	74%	2,791	110,521 mi
2010	72%	3,808	110,559 mi
2009	74%	4,499	109,564 mi
2008	72%	5,487	115,488 mi
2007	73%	3,388	119,784 mi
2006	73%	3,314	119,567 mi
2005	70%	2,790	116,994 mi
2004	70%	2,223	106,865 mi
2003	67%	1,280	104,893 mi
2002	69%	823	102,845 mi
2001	71%	599	101,232 mi
2000	65%	379	95,420 mi
1999	66%	425	95,707 mi
1998	74%	356	98,379 mi
1997	72%	219	99,179 mi
1996	73%	40	84,454 mi

Questions about the Volvo S40

Is the Volvo S40 reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (1996 to 2013), the Volvo S40 averages a 71% MOT pass rate, from 34,754 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2012 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 76%.

Which year Volvo S40 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Volvo S40 has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%, a 11 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.