2004 Volvo V40: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Volvo V40?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Volvo V40 than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Ball joint dust cover3.8× usual
  Volvo V40

  18% All 2004 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.8% of all 2004 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.

• Seat belts7.3× usual
  Volvo V40

  13.2% All 2004 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.6% of all 2004 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.

• Sidelights2.4× usual
  Volvo V40

  15.3% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.8%, against 5.6% of all 2004 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.2× usual
  Volvo V40

  14.9% All 2004 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Volvo V40

  14.6% All 2004 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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 2004 Volvo V40 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Volvo V40 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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.

• Brakes
  51% 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
  49% 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
  34% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  16% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 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 ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2004 Volvo V40 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the seat belts? (Flagged at MOT 7.3× as often on the 2004 Volvo V40 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Volvo V40 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?