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Volvo C40 reliability by build year

Coverage 2022-present1 named generationSUVELECTRICITY

We've only got 1,287 MOT tests for Volvo C40 models built around 2022 (3 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Volvo C40 built around 2022: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Volvo C40 models built around 2022 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Check a Volvo C40 by number plate

Key figure

5% of MOT tests on Volvo C40 models built around 2022 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 3% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volvo C40 models built around 2022 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Volvo C40's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Windscreen

If you have time

Inspect for chips and cracks in the wiper sweep area (Zone A) — these will fail an MOT.

By build year

How build years differ

Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your C40's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

C40 Recharge (XC40-based coupe)

Recharge (XC40-based coupe) (2022-present)

Average
ELECTRICITY

9.6% fail rate, built around 2022 (3 years old)

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 10 MOTs, 10.1%)

From 1,287 MOT tests at this ageView details →

By age

Volvo C40 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Volvo C40 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
1,2879.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 3 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 3-year-old Volvo C40 models

These issues come from 3-year-old Volvo C40 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    16.1%
    Advisory: 325Fail: 7 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.7%
    Advisory: 130Fail: 74 (36% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    8.2%
    Advisory: 106Fail: 43 (29% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    1.7%
    Advisory: 38Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Windscreen damaged, but the driver can still see clearly

    1.1%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,287 MOT tests on 3-year-old Volvo C40 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 3-year-old Volvo C40 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Other + Tyres44%
  2. Tyres + Windscreen & wipers24%
  3. Brakes + Tyres15%
  4. Lighting + Tyres8%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 88 MOT tests on Volvo C40 cars built around 2022 (3 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Volvo C40.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

2 recalls in all

Both Volvo C40 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • BCM2 SW – safety notice
  • There may be a potential software error in the brake control module.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs to compare

  1. 1

    Honda HR-V

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    4.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.3%
    Dangerous
    1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97%

    Lower fail rate: 4.9%, against 9.6% for the Volvo C40, both built around 2022.

    4,493 MOT tests on cars built around 2022

  2. 2

    Lexus UX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    4.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.6%
    Dangerous
    1.2%

    Lower fail rate: 4.9%, against 9.6% for the Volvo C40, both built around 2022.

    4,866 MOT tests on cars built around 2022

  3. 3

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    4.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.6%
    Dangerous
    1.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 4.3%, against 9.6% for the Volvo C40, both built around 2022.

    2,386 MOT tests on cars built around 2022

  4. 4

    Toyota Yaris Cross

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.5%
    Dangerous
    0.7%

    Lower fail rate: 7.0%, against 9.6% for the Volvo C40, both built around 2022.

    11,364 MOT tests on cars built around 2022

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2022 (3 years old), the Volvo C40 across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,287 3-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Volvo C40 ever sold: 1,287 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2022 (3 years old): 1,287 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.