Volvo S40 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo S40 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 100 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 257 of 442, and 42.7% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is position lamp (5.9% of tests).
Ranked 257 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 16,456 Volvo S40s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 42.7% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo S40 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
42.7%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,300
Typical age at test: 15 years
Volvo S40 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo S40 MOT faults
- Position lamp: not working5.9% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken5.1% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.6% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.3% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed3.1% of tests
- Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.9% of tests
What the Volvo S40 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 18.6% | About average |
| Suspension | 18.5% | About average |
| Brakes | 10.8% | About average |
| Tyres | 8.6% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Body and structure | 7.6% | About average |
| Visibility | 5.7% | ▼ 15% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 5.1% | ▼ 17% less often |
| Steering | 4.4% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.4% | ▼ 33% less often |
| Wheels | 0.7% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
What MPG does the Volvo S40 do?
Official economy for the Volvo S40 ranges from 29.7 to 74.3mpg across the 65 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2013). A typical petrol version manages 37.2mpg and a typical diesel 50.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo S40?
Any Volvo S40 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo S40 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £760 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo S40 specs and running costs
Official figures for 65 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2013.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
29.7–74.3 mpg
CO2
99–227 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S40 D2 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 114g | £35 |
| S40 D3 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| S40 D3 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| S40 D4 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| S40 D4 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| S40 DRIVeManual · listed 2013 | Diesel | 74.3 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| S40 2.0 ManualManual · listed 2013 | Petrol | 37.2 mpg | 176g | £360 |
| S40 T5 AutoAutomatic · listed 2013 | Petrol | 31.4 mpg | 211g | £445 |
| S40 D2 ManualM6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 65.7 mpg | 114g | £35 |
| S40 D3 AutoA6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| S40 D3 ManualM6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| S40 D4 AutoA6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 149g | £225 |
| S40 D4 ManualM6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 134g | £200 |
| S40 DRIVeM6 · listed 2012 | Diesel | 74.3 mpg | 99g | £20 |
| S40 2.0 ManualM5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 37.2 mpg | 176g | £360 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 65 versions.
What a Volvo S40 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 37.2mpg…
- diesel, typical official 50.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volvo S40Buying a used Volvo S40?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo S40 reliable?
Its MOT record is about average: the Volvo S40 is about as likely to fail as the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 100 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo S40?
The most common MOT fault is “Position lamp: not working”, found in 5.9% of tests.
›What MPG does the Volvo S40 do?
Official economy for the Volvo S40 ranges from 29.7 to 74.3mpg across the 65 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2013). A typical petrol version manages 37.2mpg and a typical diesel 50.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volvo S40?
Any Volvo S40 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo S40 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £760 a year.
›How many Volvo S40s fail their MOT?
42.7% of Volvo S40s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo S40 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.