Reliability Report · Multi-Source Data

Volvo V40 (2002–2004) Reliability

The Volvo V40 (2002–2004) scores 70/100 on our composite reliability index — good territory — drawn from DVSA, NHTSA data. Estimated used prices span €3,700–€4,500.

Composite Score
70
/ 100
Good
Sources: DVSA · NHTSA · latest 2026
Market Snapshot
Listed model years2002–2004
Est. used price€3,700–€4,500
Documented issues0
Listings in catalogue4
Found a listing?
Get a personalized risk + price verdict in 30 seconds.
Analyze a listing →Should I buy? →
carVertical20% off for AutoFindr readers

Buying a Volvo V40? Check its VIN history first

Reliability data covers the model. A VIN history report covers the exact Volvo V40 you're looking at — accident and write-off records, mileage rollback, outstanding finance and theft checks.

Run a VIN history check →use code AUTOFINDR at checkoutor decode the VIN free first →

carVertical is our one disclosed affiliate partner — we earn a commission if you buy a report. It doesn't affect our reliability scores, which come from TÜV, ADAC, DVSA MOT and NHTSA data.

Reliability by Source

Each independent organization measures reliability differently. TÜV reports inspection defect rates by age band. ADAC reports pan-European breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles. NHTSA aggregates US consumer complaints. DVSA MOT data is the UK fleet's annual safety inspection — every car 3+ years old. Lower variance across sources = higher confidence in the composite.

NHTSA (US Complaints)
Model years 2000–2006 · 2026 report · n=65
65 complaints across 5 sampled year(s); resolved model="V40"
View source ↗
84
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2004–2021 · 2024 report · n=135338
135,338 UK MOT tests · overall 22.4% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
69
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2003–2020 · 2023 report · n=94815
94,815 UK MOT tests · overall 23.5% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
60
/ 100

UK MOT Reliability Detail

Based on 135,338 MOT tests in the UK during the 2024 reporting period. Score for each age band reflects this model's fail rate vs the UK-fleet baseline fail rate at the same age — a generation-aware metric.

Age 3–5 yrs
58
14.2% fail vs 10.9% fleet
11,643 tests
Age 6–9 yrs
66
21.0% fail vs 19.2% fleet
80,630 tests
Age 10–14 yrs
77
26.6% fail vs 32.1% fleet
41,931 tests
Age 15–20 yrs
61
47.6% fail vs 38.8% fleet
1,134 tests

Most Common MOT Failure Categories

#1
Condition
12,950
32.4%
#2
Coil spring
10,558
26.4%
#3
Tread depth
5,703
14.3%
#4
Joints
5,476
13.7%
#5
Brake pads
5,251
13.1%

Categories ranked across all MOT tests of this model in the UK during the 2024 period. "Condition" covers cosmetic / wear issues; suspension and braking dominate the rest.

Compare Against Alternatives

See how the Volvo V40 stacks up against direct rivals — same segment, similar price band, side-by-side risk + reliability.

Open the comparison tool →