2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 Volvo V40 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,125 MOT tests in 2024. 64.0% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time64.0%
Failed or needed repairs36.0%
Typical mileage at test103,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,125 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken5.0%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.5%
    93 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.1%
    82 marked dangerous
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    88 marked dangerous
  5. Individual direction indicators: incorrect colour3.0%
  6. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.7%
  7. Position lamp: not working2.3%
  8. On or after 01/07/2008: emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit2.0%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics15.9%
  2. Suspension15.7%
  3. Brakes14.3%
  4. Tyres10.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%
  6. Body & chassis3.6%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm22.2%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn10.1%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.6%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2012 Volvo V40?

In 2024, 64.0% of 2012 Volvo V40 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,125 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Volvo V40?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 Volvo V40 reliable at MOT time?

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