1999 Volvo V40: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Volvo V40?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Volvo V40 than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Number plates2.8× usual
  Volvo V40

  17.4% All 1999 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.7% of all 1999 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.

• Sidelights3.1× usual
  Volvo V40

  13.9% All 1999 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.2%, against 3.8% of all 1999 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 belts4.9× usual
  Volvo V40

  9.4% All 1999 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.5% of all 1999 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.8× usual
  Volvo V40

  10.2% All 1999 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.1% of all 1999 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.

• Track rod ends2.3× usual
  Volvo V40

  10.2% All 1999 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 1999 Volvo V40 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Volvo V40 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  49% 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
  44% 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
  30% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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.

• 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 1999 Volvo V40

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

1. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1999 Volvo V40 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1999 Volvo V40 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the seat belts? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 1999 Volvo V40 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?