2012 Volvo V40 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Volvo V40 first registered in 2012 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 369 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 369 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2012 Volvo V40 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Volvo V40 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- 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.
- Lights and electrics22% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension21% 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.
- Brakes20% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions2% 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.
Known faults on the 2012 Volvo V40 petrol
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Inlet manifold and coolant leak recalls
About 70,000 cars built 2013 to 2018 were recalled because the plastic inlet manifold could melt, and others for coolant or oil leaks that could cause a fire, trapped air in the cooling system and cracking fuel hoses.
At the viewing: Ask a Volvo dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- 1.6 petrol and diesel
Misfires from broken valve springs
Broken exhaust valve springs cause rough idling, misfires and starting problems on some 1.6 petrol and diesel engines.
At the viewing: Listen for a rough idle and make sure there's no engine warning light.
- All engines
Damp carpets and musty smell
A blocked air con drain hose can let water into the cabin.
At the viewing: Feel the front carpets for damp and sniff for mustiness.
- Manual gearbox
Hard to get into fifth
A worn selector rod on the M76 manual gearbox can make fifth hard to engage. Volvo has a spacer that fixes it.
At the viewing: Change into fifth several times.
- Manual gearbox
Stiff clutch pedal
A faulty clutch slave cylinder makes the pedal stiff.
At the viewing: Feel the clutch pedal for heaviness.
- All engines
Droning brakes
A missing vibration damper on a front caliper makes the brakes drone.
At the viewing: Listen when braking gently.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volvo V40 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Volvo dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volvo V40?
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 V40 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2019 | 24,382 | Tyres 32% |
| 2018 | 38,335 | Tyres 33% |
| 2017 | 40,228 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 45,842 | Tyres 33% |
| 2015 | 46,343 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 48,044 | Tyres 34% |
| 2013 | 33,553 | Tyres 35% |
| 2004 | 2,391 | Suspension 51% |
| 2003 | 2,858 | Suspension 51% |
| 2002 | 1,980 | Suspension 53% |
| 2001 | 1,484 | Brakes 49% |
| 2000 | 801 | Suspension 53% |
| 1999 | 488 | Brakes 49% |
| 1998 | 267 | Suspension 47% |
| 1997 | 212 | Brakes 50% |
| 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 V40 cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score