2005 Volvo S40: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Volvo S40?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Volvo S40 than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm1.9× usual
  Volvo S40

  6.3% All 2005 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Handbrake performance2.2× usual
  Volvo S40

  2.9% All 2005 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

• Wheels1.8× usual
  Volvo S40

  3.1% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2005 Volvo S40 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Volvo S40 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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.

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2005 Volvo S40 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the handbrake performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Volvo S40 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Volvo S40 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?