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Volvo S40 Mk2 (2004-2012) reliability

At a glance

Volvo S40 Mk2 built around 2012: fails its MOT more often than average

Volvo S40 Mk2 models built around 2012 fail their MOT more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Volvo S40 Mk2?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

30% of MOT tests on Volvo S40 Mk2 models built around 2012 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volvo S40 Mk2 models built around 2012 involves the tyres.

No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2004-2012SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 19,021 tests of S40 models registered 2004-2012.

About 1 in 12 S40 Mk2 MOTs (7.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2012 (13 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,055 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 10 S40 Mk2 MOTs (10.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2012 (13 years old).

Based on 2,055 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
54629.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,05529.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,02530.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
2,76930.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
2,86130.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,95730.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,94130.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,72129.6%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,41031.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
73633.3%

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 21 years old.

How the S40 Mk2 compares

At each age below, see how the S40 Mk2 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 34,941 tests across 12 Volvo models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolvo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
54629.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2,05529.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,02530.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
2,76930.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
2,86130.4%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,95730.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,94130.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,72129.6%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,41031.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
73633.3%

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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can 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.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the S40 Mk2.

  1. 1

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.1%
    Dangerous
    5.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Lower fail rate: 19.5%, against 29.9% for the Volvo S40 Mk2, both built around 2012.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,274 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    BMW 5 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.7%
    Dangerous
    6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 29.9% for the Volvo S40 Mk2, both built around 2012.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    15,045 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Honda Accord

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    7.2%

    Lower fail rate: 22.8%, against 29.9% for the Volvo S40 Mk2, both built around 2012.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,525 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Audi A4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.1%
    Dangerous
    6.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    85%

    Lower fail rate: 23.3%, against 29.9% for the Volvo S40 Mk2, both built around 2012.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,356 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

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.

Recall context

32 recalls in all

3 of the 32 S40 Mk2 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • Exhaust sleeve may detach
  • Loss of drive
  • Windscreen may separate from support areas on impact

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

How S40 Mk2 cars have aged

How S40 Mk2 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%9111315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (1,335 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (1,269 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (1,250 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (1,217 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (1,157 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (1,328 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (1,223 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (1,184 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (1,096 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (1,000 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (2,098 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (1,966 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (1,833 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (1,627 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (1,354 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (2,437 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (2,179 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (2,045 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (1,725 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (1,518 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (3,591 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (3,232 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (2,875 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (2,419 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (2,055 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (2,296 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (2,009 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (1,702 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (1,444 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (1,173 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (2,449 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (1,957 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (1,619 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (1,345 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (1,050 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (2,209 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (1,783 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (1,423 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (1,162 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (895 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.5% (1,793 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (1,449 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (1,189 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (942 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (736 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
Mk2 variants compared

S40 Mk2 variants built around 2012

The fail rate for each S40 Mk2 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • S4031.7%1,486 tests

Petrol

  • S4025.1%569 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Volvo S40 models of this age

This list covers every Volvo S40 built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 on its own.

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

    26.9%
    Advisory: 777Fail: 69 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    19.2%
    Advisory: 434Fail: 180 (29% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.1%
    Advisory: 282Fail: 102 (27% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    11.4%
    Advisory: 227Fail: 45 (17% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    11.1%
    Advisory: 307Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,055 tests

Looking at a Volvo S40 Mk2?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Volvo S40 Mk2 (2004-2012) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,055 13-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 19,021 MOT tests on Volvo S40 models first registered between 2004-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.