2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Volvo S40 MOT pass rate and common faults

428 MOT tests in 2024. 48.6% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

84Well below average
Passed first time48.6%
Failed or needed repairs51.4%
Typical mileage at test95,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 428 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working7.7%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.6%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken5.4%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.9%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.5%
  7. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.0%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.8%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics35.5%
  2. Brakes29.4%
  3. Suspension24.3%
  4. Body & chassis12.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks8.6%
  7. Steering6.5%
  8. Tyres5.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.3%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened18.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.1%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible9.8%

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 2002 Volvo S40?

In 2024, 48.6% of 2002 Volvo S40 cars passed their MOT first time, across 428 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Volvo S40?

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

Is the 2002 Volvo S40 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 84, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).