VOLVO V40 (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 27,152 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,807
£151/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1498cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £1807/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1498cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLVO brand average of 87%.
At 10 years old, 82% of VOLVO V40s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 27,152 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 67,465 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
67,465
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 VOLVO V40 has 67,465 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2016 sits between the two at 82%.
VOLVO V40 by Year
| 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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 VOLVO V40
The 2016 VOLVO V40 is a premium with a 1498cc petrol engine. 27,152 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 77% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 67,465 miles at 10 years old, VOLVO V40 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 VOLVO V40 Fuel Costs
The 1498cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 VOLVO V40?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,807 (£151/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLVO V40 Reliability Trend
Newer VOLVO V40s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 VOLVO V40
At 10 years old, the VOLVO V40 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. With 27,152 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 VOLVO V40's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2016 VOLVO V40 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLVO V40(2016) | 82% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1807 |
| FORD FIESTA(2015) | 81% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1390-£417 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£85 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£130 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£257 |
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.
Related Volvo Models
Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.
VOLVO XC40
2020 · 2000cc Petrol
VOLVO XC60
2016 · 1969cc Petrol
VOLVO XC90
2018 · 0cc Electric
FORD FIESTA
2015 · 998cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2014 · 1596cc Petrol
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