Volvo V40 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volvo V40 is a family hatchback. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 96 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 292 of 442, and 26.6% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is coil spring (6.1% of tests).
Ranked 292 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 21 of 30 family hatchbacks
In 2024, 96,574 Volvo V40s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 26.6% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volvo V40 is 4% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
26.6%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,800
Typical age at test: 8 years
Volvo V40 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volvo V40 MOT faults
- Coil spring: fractured or broken6.1% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed2.6% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.5% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8% of tests
- Position lamp: not working1.7% of tests
What the Volvo V40 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 8.5% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Tyres | 8.3% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 6.2% | ▼ 28% less often |
| Brakes | 5.6% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.6% | About average |
| Visibility | 2.5% | ▼ 37% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.4% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Steering | 0.4% | ▼ 77% less often |
| Wheels | 0.3% | ▼ 11% less often |
What MPG does the Volvo V40 do?
Official economy for the Volvo V40 ranges from 34 to 83.1mpg across the 367 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2012–2019).
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volvo V40?
Any Volvo V40 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo V40 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £445 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolvo V40 specs and running costs
Official figures for 367 versions sold in the UK between 2012 and 2019.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
34.0–83.1 mpg
CO2
88–194 g/km
Power
120–152 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V40 D2 Cross Country 17" Alloy120 PS · 6AT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country 17" Alloy120 PS · 6MT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country 18" Alloy120 PS · 6AT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country 18" Alloy120 PS · 6MT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country 19" Alloy120 PS · 6AT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country 19" Alloy120 PS · 6MT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country Nav Plus 17" Alloy120 PS · 6AT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country Nav Plus 17" Alloy120 PS · 6MT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country Nav Plus 18" Alloy120 PS · 6AT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country Nav Plus 18" Alloy120 PS · 6MT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country Nav Plus 19" Alloy120 PS · 6AT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country Nav Plus 19" Alloy120 PS · 6MT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country Pro 18" Alloy120 PS · 6AT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country Pro 18" Alloy120 PS · 6MT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
| V40 D2 Cross Country Pro 19" Alloy120 PS · 6AT · listed 2019 | Diesel | – | – | – |
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 367 versions.
Buying a used Volvo V40?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Volvo V40 with other family hatchbacks
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Volvo models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volvo V40 reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Volvo V40 is 4% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 96 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volvo V40?
The most common MOT fault is “Coil spring: fractured or broken”, found in 6.1% of tests.
›What MPG does the Volvo V40 do?
Official economy for the Volvo V40 ranges from 34 to 83.1mpg across the 367 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2012–2019).
›How much is road tax on a Volvo V40?
Any Volvo V40 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volvo V40 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £445 a year.
›How many Volvo V40s fail their MOT?
26.6% of Volvo V40s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volvo V40 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.