2019 Volvo XC40: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2019 Volvo XC40?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2019 Volvo XC40 than on all cars registered in 2019.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Volvo XC40

  18% All 2019 cars

  10.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.8% of all 2019 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2019 Volvo XC40 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2019 Volvo XC40 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  25% 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
  22% 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.

• 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Lights and electrics
  2% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  1% 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.

Known faults on the 2019 Volvo XC40

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.

• Brake servo and emergency braking recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered brake servos not properly secured (2020 and 2021), emergency braking software, rear seat latches, a wiring harness that could chafe, and a loose high-voltage battery on electrified versions.

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

  Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC40 (Mk1, 2018 on) review

• Vibration through the car

  All engines

  Some owners report vibration through the chassis and suspension.

  At the viewing: Feel for vibration at different speeds.

  Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC40 (Mk1, 2018 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Volvo XC40

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, especially the brake servo ones?
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2019 Volvo XC40 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?