2017 Volvo V40: 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.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2017 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.
- All engines
Inlet manifold and coolant leak recalls
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.
- 1.6 petrol and diesel
Misfires from broken valve springs
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.
- All engines
Damp carpets and musty smell
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.
- Manual gearbox
Hard to get into fifth
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.
- Manual gearbox
Stiff clutch pedal
A faulty clutch slave cylinder makes the pedal stiff.
At the viewing: Feel the clutch pedal for heaviness.
- All engines
Droning brakes
A missing vibration damper on a front caliper makes the brakes drone.
At the viewing: Listen when braking gently.
Looking at a Volvo V40?
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 V40 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2019 | 24,382 | Tyres 32% |
| 2018 | 38,335 | Tyres 33% |
| 2016 | 45,842 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 46,343 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 48,044 | Tyres 34% |
| 2013 | 33,553 | Tyres 35% |
| 2012 | 6,965 | Tyres 36% |
| 2004 | 2,391 | Suspension 51% |
| 2003 | 2,858 | Suspension 51% |
| 2002 | 1,980 | Suspension 53% |
| 2001 | 1,484 | Brakes 49% |
| 2000 | 801 | Suspension 53% |
| 1999 | 488 | Brakes 49% |
| 1998 | 267 | Suspension 47% |
| 1997 | 212 | Brakes 50% |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |