Is the 2012 VOLVO S40 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of VOLVO S40s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,267 tests. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2012 VOLVO S40 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 VOLVO S40?

The 2012 VOLVO S40 has a 76% MOT pass rate based on 2,267 tests in 2026. This ranks 522 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year VOLVO S40 is most reliable?

The 2012 VOLVO S40 has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%. The least reliable year is 2000 at 65%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 VOLVO S40?

The average mileage for a 2012 VOLVO S40 is 101,974 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

VOLVO S40 (2012)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,267 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,857

£155/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1999cc Diesel

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £1857/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Diesel1999cc14 years old2,267 tests102k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1999cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1999cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,857

Per month£155/mo

Per week£36/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.

At 14 years old, 76% of VOLVO S40s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,267 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 101,974 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars522th of 685(top 76%)

Rank among VOLVO models526th of 635(top 83%)

vs national average-6%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average-2%(78% avg)

vs VOLVO average-11%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

101,974

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 VOLVO S40 has 101,974 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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VOLVO S40 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,445/year

87%

+11%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£1,727/year

79%

+3%

AUDI A3

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,445/year

86%

+10%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2010 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

74%

-2%

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About the 2012 VOLVO S40

The 2012 VOLVO S40 is a premium with a 1999cc diesel engine. 2,267 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 76% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 101,974 miles at 14 years old, VOLVO S40 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 VOLVO S40 Fuel Costs

The 1999cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2012 VOLVO S40?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,857 (£155/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

VOLVO S40 Reliability Trend

Newer VOLVO S40s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 VOLVO S40

At 14 years old, the VOLVO S40 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 VOLVO S40's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 102k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 VOLVO S40 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLVO S40(2012)	76%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1857
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2014)	87%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1445-£412
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013)	79%	£1037	£135	Grp 18-32	£1727-£130
AUDI A3(2014)	86%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1445-£412
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2010)	74%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595-£262

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.