MOT performance
2003 Volvo V40: MOT pass rate and common failures
Of 2,117 MOT tests on 2003-registered Volvo V40s in 2023–2024 (on average 19.9 years old at test, median 121,628 miles), 47.8% passed first time, 25.3 points lower than the Volvo V40 overall. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, 2003 Volvo V40s failed 16% more often than comparable cars.
2,117 MOT tests on 1,178 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto
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| Figure | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 47.8% | ±2.1 pts (95%), n = 2,117 |
| All Volvo V40s | 73.1% | n = 199,307 |
| Failures vs similar cars | 1.16× | same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00 |
| Tests with a dangerous defect | 14.5% | n = 2,117 |
| Average age at test | 19.9 years | n = 2,117 |
Where 2003 Volvo V40s fail
| Area | Tests failed on it | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights, reflectors and electrical | 25.6% | +13% |
| Brakes | 20.1% | +36% |
| Suspension | 19.7% | +11% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 10.4% | +4% |
| Steering | 10.0% | +109% |
| Driver's view of the road | 8.1% | +3% |
| Tyres | 7.2% | +8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.6% | -20% |
| Seat belts and airbags | 6.3% | +90% |
| Registration plates and VIN | 1.0% | +28% |
| Road wheels | 0.4% | -9% |
Most common failure items
| Item | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working | Lights, reflectors and electrical | 10.25% |
| Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Steering | 5.76% |
| Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements | Brakes | 5.38% |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Suspension | 5.20% |
| Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Body, chassis and structure | 5.20% |
Check a specific 2003 Volvo V40
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About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.