Volvo V40
Naturally-aspirated four-cylinder with 1.6 litres from the Volvo-Ford platform partnership. Simple construction with chain drive, low maintenance and long-lived. Adequate for everyday use; does not meet sporting demands.
Pure reason, no fun
80 kW naturally aspirated petrol for sober everyday Volvo duties. Anyone looking for driving pleasure should look elsewhere.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The timing belt tensioner of the B4164S2 tends to fail when the change interval is neglected. If the belt snaps, valves bend immediately — costly total damage despite an inexpensive engine.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start, belt visibly frayed or cracked on visual inspection
The plastic thermostat housing of the B4164S2 can crack on older vehicles or lose its O-ring seal. Unexplained coolant loss should always include the thermostat housing in the inspection.
Symptoms: Slight coolant loss, damp area at thermostat housing, engine temperature rises in high ambient temperatures
The plastic connectors on the B4164S2 injectors become brittle over time and break on removal. Loose contacts cause misfires on individual cylinders.
Symptoms: Sporadic misfires, rough idle, fault message for individual cylinders
Individual ignition coils on the B4164S2 fail at high mileages or with temperature cycling. The engine then runs on three cylinders with noticeable power loss and increased consumption.
Symptoms: Misfires and hesitation, increased fuel consumption, check engine light with cylinder fault code
The front camshaft seals of the B4164S2 start leaking at higher mileages, with oil running through the timing belt cover. Often only discovered during the timing belt change.
Symptoms: Oil in the timing belt area, oily smell after engine warmth, slight seeping around the belt cover
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
The brake lines in the engine bay of the S40/V40 I corrode severely with age, which can cause brake fluid loss. Porous brake hoses and seized rear brake calipers were also regularly found.
MOT inspectors flag worn ball joints and tie rod ends on the S40/V40 I front axle significantly more often than average. The cause is high structural loading on the axle components.
Dirt and moisture accumulate behind the front wing; foam stuffing absorbs water and keeps it permanently against the metalwork. Sills and rear wheel arches are the most common rust spots.
The thermostat in the first-generation Volvo S40/V40 frequently sticks, leading to overheating or excessively low operating temperatures. Coolant loss indicates sealing problems.
The rear springs on the V40 I lose their pre-tension markedly with age. Broken springs are a frequent MOT failure reason — even without prior symptoms the spring can bottom out.
The mechanical handbrake linkage corrodes and seizes inside the rear brake caliper. Typical MOT problem: uneven braking action or brake not releasing fully, causing tyre wear.
The A/C compressor on the S40/V40 I is the main A/C weakness: leaks cause refrigerant loss. Heater pipes also corrode and can direct moisture into the wiring harness, damaging control units.
The headlights on the first-generation S40/V40 are considered insufficiently bright and are regularly flagged at MOT. Upgrading to xenon or modern H7 bulbs is recommended.
The factory alarm system on the V40 I tends to self-trigger and thereby completely drains the starter battery. This problem is especially common in damp weather and on older vehicles.
The door check straps on the V40 I corrode and become stiff. The door no longer clicks into its usual positions or squeals noticeably when opening and closing.
The V40 I tailgate rusts preferentially at the lower edge and around the fuel filler opening. Moisture accumulates in the seal area and promotes under-paint corrosion that hides behind the lacquer.
Reports & Tests
80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (1996–2004). Most reported: Brakes (32), Hydraulic (31), Engine & Cooling (14).