Volvo V40

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 17 model years from 177,228 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests

177,228

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (88%)

Years Covered

About the Volvo V40

The Volvo V40 was MOT tested 177,228 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 17 model years (1996 to 2019), with an average pass rate of 76%. That's 6 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 diesel and petrol and lpg versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88% from 13,557 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. With a 22 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo V40s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1996) averages 92,559 miles, while the newest (2019) averages 37,595 miles.

Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the V40 is 11 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volvo models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1498cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,003

Per month£167/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 2019 details

How reliable is the Volvo V40?

vs average of all models-6% (82% avg)

vs Volvo brand average-11% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread22 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volvo V40 by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	88%	13,557	37,595 mi
2018	85%	21,560	46,813 mi
2017	84%	23,480	57,396 mi
2016	82%	27,152	67,465 mi
2015	80%	28,590	79,222 mi
2014	80%	30,222	89,093 mi
2013	80%	20,970	99,522 mi
2012	76%	4,370	105,566 mi
2004	66%	1,585	125,049 mi
2003	66%	1,843	125,362 mi
2002	68%	1,201	124,584 mi
2001	70%	959	121,513 mi
2000	66%	547	116,773 mi
1999	67%	544	104,983 mi
1998	67%	336	97,373 mi
1997	70%	274	97,758 mi
1996	95%	38	92,559 mi

Questions about the Volvo V40

Is the Volvo V40 reliable?

Across its 17 model years in our data (1996 to 2019), the Volvo V40 averages a 76% MOT pass rate, from 177,228 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 88%.

Which year Volvo V40 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volvo V40 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%, a 22 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.