2011 Volvo S40 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Volvo S40 first registered in 2011 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 875 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2011 Volvo S40 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2011 Volvo S40 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension33% 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.
- Tyres33% 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.
- Brakes23% 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 electrics21% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions10% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Volvo S40 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volvo S40?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volvo S40 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 106 | Suspension 43% |
| 2012 | 3,824 | Suspension 36% |
| 2010 | 5,823 | Suspension 42% |
| 2009 | 7,152 | Suspension 41% |
| 2008 | 8,705 | Suspension 44% |
| 2007 | 5,480 | Suspension 46% |
| 2006 | 5,035 | Suspension 46% |
| 2005 | 4,345 | Suspension 50% |
| 2004 | 3,475 | Suspension 46% |
| 2003 | 1,984 | Brakes 47% |
| 2002 | 1,348 | Brakes 50% |
| 2001 | 960 | Brakes 45% |
| 2000 | 649 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 1999 | 405 | Lights and electrics 49% |
| 1998 | 382 | Suspension 51% |
| 1997 | 209 | Suspension 46% |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volvo S40 cars first registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score