2002 Volvo S40: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Volvo S40?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Volvo S40 than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Ball joint dust cover2.9× usual
  Volvo S40

  11.9% All 2002 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Number plate lights1.9× usual
  Volvo S40

  14.1% All 2002 cars

  7.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.9% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Sidelights2.1× usual
  Volvo S40

  12.5% All 2002 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.9%, against 5.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Seat belts4.2× usual
  Volvo S40

  7.5% All 2002 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.6% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

• Link ball joint covers3× usual
  Volvo S40

  6% All 2002 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2002 Volvo S40 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Volvo S40 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  50% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  48% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Volvo S40

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2002 Volvo S40 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2002 Volvo S40 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2002 Volvo S40 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?