2003 Volvo S40 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Volvo S40 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Volvo S40 diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Volvo S40

  27.6% All 2003 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Number plate lights2.3× usual
  Volvo S40

  17.6% All 2003 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2.2% of all 2003 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.6× usual
  Volvo S40

  12.2% All 2003 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.7% of all 2003 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.

• Seat belts4.9× usual
  Volvo S40

  8.3% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

Common 2003 Volvo S40 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Volvo S40 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  50% 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
  45% 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
  36% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  13% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Volvo S40 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Volvo S40 diesel 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 2003 Volvo S40 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2003 Volvo S40 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?