Motoring Today

Volvo Xc40 MOT reliability

Reliability from 6 Volvo Xc40 cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the Volvo Xc40 at MOT?

Across 2 Volvo Xc40 cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 100%. 100% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 9 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are brakes, tyres and visibility (windscreen & wipers), from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
100%
Valid MOT
2 / 2
Median MOT left
9 mo
Top failure
Brakes

The Volvo XC40 achieves a national DVSA MOT pass rate of 91.62% based on approximately 38,762 tests conducted across the UK. However, this pass rate naturally reflects vehicles presented for test, not necessarily their lifetime reliability, as failures tend to concentrate with age and general neglect rather than being inherent to the badge. The most common MOT failure categories for this model highlight areas prospective owners should thoroughly check. Brakes are the leading cause of MOT failures, accounting for 36% of all recorded issues. This often means worn pads or discs, or problems with the braking system's fluid lines or calipers, all of which are critical for safety. Tyres follow closely at 33%, indicating common problems such as insufficient tread depth, damage, or incorrect inflation pressures. These are relatively straightforward checks that can save considerable hassle and cost. For those looking at the 4 currently available Volvo XC40s on Motoring.Today, with prices starting from £17,995 or a representative monthly cost of £386, a detailed inspection of these specific components is highly advisable before purchase. While the MOТ pass rate is strong, understanding these common failure points empowers buyers to make an informed decision about the car's current condition.

100First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
2 / 2
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
9 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
0
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Volvo Xc40

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 6 Volvo Xc40 cars with DVSA test history in our stock (5 recorded failure items, 4 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Brakes360%
Tyres120%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)120%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of Volvo Xc40 cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a used Volvo Xc40?
Based on 38,762 national DVSA MOT tests, the Volvo Xc40 has a pass rate of 91.62%. This indicates that a high percentage of Xc40s pass their MOT test at the first attempt.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Volvo Xc40?
The most frequent MOT failures for the Xc40 are Brakes, accounting for 36% of failures, followed by Tyres at 33%, Lighting & electrical at 13%, and Visibility (windscreen & wipers) at 10%.
Is the Volvo Xc40 reliable?
An MOT pass rate of 91.62% suggests good performance, but this primarily reflects a car's condition when presented for its annual test. A vehicle's overall reliability can be influenced by age, maintenance, and mileage, with failures typically clustering on older or neglected examples.
What should I check before buying a used Volvo Xc40?
When inspecting a used Volvo Xc40, pay close attention to the brakes, tyre condition and tread depth, and ensure all lights and electrical components are functioning correctly. Also, check the windscreen for chips or cracks and confirm the wipers are in good order.
How many Volvo Xc40s are currently for sale and what is the cheapest monthly price?
As of 15 August 2026, there are 2 Volvo Xc40s for sale. The cheapest monthly finance option is £405, though this is a representative example and finance is subject to status.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Volvo Xc40?
Across 6 Volvo Xc40 cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are brakes, tyres and visibility (windscreen & wipers) (brakes account for 60% of recorded failures).

More Volvo Xc40 resources