2001 Volvo S40 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Volvo S40 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Volvo S40 petrol than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Ball joint dust cover3.4× usual
  Volvo S40

  12.4% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.3% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Number plate lights2.3× usual
  Volvo S40

  15.1% All 2001 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.6% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Volvo S40

  10.8% All 2001 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Brake pads1.9× usual
  Volvo S40

  11.4% All 2001 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Sidelights1.9× usual
  Volvo S40

  10.4% All 2001 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 4.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2001 Volvo S40 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Volvo S40 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  45% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  30% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Volvo S40 petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2001 Volvo S40 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2001 Volvo S40 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2001 Volvo S40 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?