2001 Volvo V40 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Volvo V40 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Volvo V40 diesel than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Volvo V40

  33.9% All 2001 cars

  15.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2001 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Volvo V40

  34.4% All 2001 cars

  17.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2.7% of all 2001 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 2001 Volvo V40 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Volvo V40 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  56% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  34% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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
  15% 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 2001 Volvo V40 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 2.1× as often on the 2001 Volvo V40 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2001 Volvo V40 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?