Volvo V40 (2016)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 27,152 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,078
£173/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1498cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Volvo brand average of 87%.
82% of MOT tests on Volvo V40s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 27,152 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 67,465 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
67,465
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2016 Volvo V40 had 67,465 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 66%. The 2016 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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 car. Our records list a 1498cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 27,152 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 25% of 2016 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 67,465 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 Volvo V40?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
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
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo V40(2016) | 82% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,078 |
| Ford Fiesta(2015) | 81% | £1,175 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1,600-£478 |
| Vauxhall Corsa(2015) | 78% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,153+£75 |
| Ford Focus(2014) | 80% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,078same |
| Nissan Qashqai(2017) | 86% | £1,175 | £200 | Grp 5-15 | £1,780-£298 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2016 Volvo V40
Is the 2016 Volvo V40 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2016 Volvo V40s ended in a pass, from 27,152 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2016 Volvo V40 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Volvo V40?
82% of 27,152 MOT tests on the 2016 Volvo V40 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 408th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (bottom 25%).
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% and the 2000 the lowest at 66%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2016 Volvo V40?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Volvo V40 is 67,465 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Volvo Models
Explore other Volvo cars or similar models in the same category.
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Volvo XC90
2018 · Electric
Ford Fiesta
2015 · 998cc Petrol
Vauxhall Corsa
2015 · 1398cc Petrol
Ford Focus
2014 · 1596cc Petrol
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