Motoring Today

Volvo Xc40 MOT reliability

Reliability from 7 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 50%. 100% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 10 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
50%
Valid MOT
2 / 2
Median MOT left
10 mo
Top failure
Brakes

With 3 Volvo XC40s currently listed on Motoring Today, the national DVSA MOT pass rate for this model stands at 91.62% from 38,762 tests conducted across the UK. This indicates a strong performance for the XC40 when presented for its annual inspection. However, like all vehicles, some common issues emerge from the tests. The most frequent failure category is Brakes, accounting for 36% of all failures, followed closely by Tyres at 33%, and Lighting & electrical issues at 13%. For potential used Volvo XC40 buyers, these failure trends highlight specific areas for attention. The high incidence of brake failures suggests checking brake pads, discs, and fluid levels thoroughly, while tyre issues point to examining tread depth, sidewall condition, and ensuring correct pressures. Lighting and electrical failures could include anything from blown bulbs to more complex wiring faults, warranting a check of all external and internal lights, as well as dashboard warnings. It is important to remember that an MOT pass rate reflects the condition of vehicles *at the time of test*, not necessarily their lifetime reliability. Failures often cluster with a vehicle's age, mileage, and how well it has been maintained, rather than being inherent flaws of the badge itself. Motoring Today currently features models from £18,495, or from £405 per month on a representative finance example, with full MOT history available for every listing.

50First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
2 / 2
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
10 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 7 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 7 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