2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Volvo V40 MOT pass rate and common faults

922 MOT tests in 2024. 47.4% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

83Well below average
Passed first time47.4%
Failed or needed repairs52.6%
Typical mileage at test123,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 922 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working7.3%
  2. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.0%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.4%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.9%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.8%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.1%
  7. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault4.0%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.7%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.7%
    41 marked dangerous
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics36.0%
  2. Brakes33.9%
  3. Suspension26.2%
  4. Body & chassis12.9%
  5. Steering10.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.1%
  7. Tyres8.1%
  8. Emissions & leaks8.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.2%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Volvo V40?

In 2024, 47.4% of 2003 Volvo V40 cars passed their MOT first time, across 922 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Volvo V40?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Volvo V40 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 83, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).