Used car guide
2006 Volvo S40: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Petrol
61% pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%)
Stands out: transmission oil leaks 2.5×
3,142 MOTsSee the petrol guide ›
Diesel
57% pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%)
Stands out: drive shaft (cv) joints 1.7×, handbrake performance 2.2×
1,893 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Looking at a Volvo S40?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volvo S40 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 106 | Suspension 43% |
| 2012 | 3,824 | Suspension 36% |
| 2011 | 4,345 | Suspension 39% |
| 2010 | 5,823 | Suspension 42% |
| 2009 | 7,152 | Suspension 41% |
| 2008 | 8,705 | Suspension 44% |
| 2007 | 5,480 | Suspension 46% |
| 2005 | 4,345 | Suspension 50% |
| 2004 | 3,475 | Suspension 46% |
| 2003 | 1,984 | Brakes 47% |
| 2002 | 1,348 | Brakes 50% |
| 2001 | 960 | Brakes 45% |
| 2000 | 649 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 1999 | 405 | Lights and electrics 49% |
| 1998 | 382 | Suspension 51% |
| 1997 | 209 | Suspension 46% |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |