2016 Volvo V40: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Volvo V40?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Volvo V40 than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Coil springs2.7× usual
  Volvo V40

  8.6% All 2016 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 2.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usual
  Volvo V40

  3.7% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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.

Common 2016 Volvo V40 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Volvo V40 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  20% 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
  16% 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
  9% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  4% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2016 Volvo V40

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Inlet manifold and coolant leak recalls

  All engines

  About 70,000 cars built 2013 to 2018 were recalled because the plastic inlet manifold could melt, and others for coolant or oil leaks that could cause a fire, trapped air in the cooling system and cracking fuel hoses.

  At the viewing: Ask a Volvo dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Haynes: Volvo V40 Mk2 common problems (2012-2019)

• Misfires from broken valve springs

  1.6 petrol and diesel

  Broken exhaust valve springs cause rough idling, misfires and starting problems on some 1.6 petrol and diesel engines.

  At the viewing: Listen for a rough idle and make sure there's no engine warning light.

  Source: Haynes: Volvo V40 Mk2 common problems (2012-2019)

• Damp carpets and musty smell

  All engines

  A blocked air con drain hose can let water into the cabin.

  At the viewing: Feel the front carpets for damp and sniff for mustiness.

  Source: Haynes: Volvo V40 Mk2 common problems (2012-2019)

• Hard to get into fifth

  Manual gearbox

  A worn selector rod on the M76 manual gearbox can make fifth hard to engage. Volvo has a spacer that fixes it.

  At the viewing: Change into fifth several times.

  Source: Haynes: Volvo V40 Mk2 common problems (2012-2019)

• Stiff clutch pedal

  Manual gearbox

  A faulty clutch slave cylinder makes the pedal stiff.

  At the viewing: Feel the clutch pedal for heaviness.

  Source: Haynes: Volvo V40 Mk2 common problems (2012-2019)

• Droning brakes

  All engines

  A missing vibration damper on a front caliper makes the brakes drone.

  At the viewing: Listen when braking gently.

  Source: Haynes: Volvo V40 Mk2 common problems (2012-2019)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Volvo V40

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

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Volvo dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2016 Volvo V40 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2016 Volvo V40 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?