2009 Volvo S40 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Volvo S40 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Volvo S40 petrol than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Exhaust system1.8× usual
  Volvo S40

  14.6% All 2009 cars

  7.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Steering rack3.9× usual
  Volvo S40

  3.5% All 2009 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Transmission oil leaks3.2× usual
  Volvo S40

  3.5% All 2009 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2009 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.

• Power steering pipes and hoses8× usual
  Volvo S40

  2.4% All 2009 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2009 Volvo S40 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Volvo S40 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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.

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  28% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• 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 2009 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 exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Volvo S40 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2009 Volvo S40 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2009 Volvo S40 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?