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Volvo · Compact · 2012–2019

Volvo V40 2

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.8 / 5.0 · Based on 8 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

247–254 PS

2.0L T5 Drive-E Benzin

Compact and sporty

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

190–197 PS

2.0L D4 Drive-E Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Volvo V40 2 is available with 8 engine variants — from 109 to 254 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

1.6L DRIVe · Diesel· 114 PS
2012 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L D2 Drive-E · Diesel· 120 PS
2012 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.0L D3 Drive-E · Diesel· 150 PS
2014 2019
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2.0L D4 Drive-E · Diesel· 190 PS
2014 2019
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
1.5L · Benziner· 122 PS
2017 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
1.6L GTDi Turbo · Benziner· 150–179 PS Engine Change
2012 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2012 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L T4 Drive-E · Benziner· 190 PS
2013 2019
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L T5 Drive-E · Benziner· 254 PS
2013 2019
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Volvo 1.6L DRIVe (Diesel, 114 PS) has the D4162T (1.6L DRIVe) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.0L D2 Drive-E (Diesel, 120 PS) has the D4204T5 (2.0L D2 Drive-E) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.0L D3 Drive-E (Diesel, 150 PS) has the D4204T9 (2.0L D3 Drive-E) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.0L D4 Drive-E (Diesel, 190 PS) has the D4204T14 (2.0L D4 Drive-E) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 1.5L (Benziner, 122 PS) has the B3154T (1.5L) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 1.6L GTDi Turbo (Benziner, 150–179 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B4164T (2012–2019, Be Careful) und B4164T (2012–2019, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L GTDi Turbo!

The Volvo 2.0L T4 Drive-E (Benziner, 190 PS) has the B4204T19 (2.0L T4 Drive-E) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Volvo 2.0L T5 Drive-E (Benziner, 254 PS) has the B4204T23 (2.0L T5 Drive-E) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Powershift dual-clutch gearbox judders and leaks fluid

The Ford/Getrag Powershift gearbox 6DCT450 in the V40 II judders on pull-away, shifts jerkily, occasionally refuses reverse gear and leaks fluid. In the worst case the gearbox fails completely.

Symptoms: Juddering on pull-away, hesitant gear changes, reverse gear cannot be selected, oil leak under the car
from 80,000 km
Ad Powershift 6DCT450 Volvo V40Doppelclutch V40 II reparaturVolvo V40 gearbox oil leak
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
1 complaints · 2012–2019
Other
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Other (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 53 weaknesses have been documented for the Volvo V40 2 (2012–2019) — 42 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. One problem engine: D4204T14 (2.0L D4 Drive-E). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Brakes, HVAC.

V40 (D4162T, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Timing belt — interval shortened to 140,000 km in 2014, Engine block can crack on overheating, Diesel particulate filter clogs with short-trip use. Power: 114 PS.

V40 (D4204T5, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Timing belt — strictly observe 105,000 km interval, EGR cooler clogged (all VEA diesels affected), DPF clogs especially with short-trip use (D2). Power: 120 PS.

V40 (D4204T9, 2014–2019) — Be Careful: EGR cooler soot-clogged — fire risk, Timing belt maintenance must be observed, DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 150 PS.

V40 (D4204T14, 2014–2019) — Stay Away!: EGR recall due to fire risk (same as D3), Turbocharger failure — turbine wheel collapse, DPF issues from high EGR soot load. Power: 190 PS.

V40 (B4164T, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Cylinder head overheats on coolant loss — recall, Recall: coolant monitoring inadequate (2014), Turbo coolant hoses split. Power: 150 PS.

V40 (B4164T, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Cylinder head overheats on coolant loss — recall, Recall: coolant monitoring inadequate (2014), Turbo coolant hoses split. Power: 179 PS.

V40 (B4204T19, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Timing belt — change interval 120,000 km/8 years, Excessive oil consumption due to defective piston rings (up to MY2016), Oil consumption from weak piston rings (VEP4 issue). Power: 190 PS.

V40 (B4204T23, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Timing belt — change every 120,000 km mandatory, Oil consumption piston ring failure (early Drive-E series), Timing belt interval and tensioner — critical maintenance. Power: 254 PS.

V40 (B3154T, 2017–2019) — Be Careful: Timing belt — same Drive-E logic, smaller engine, Elevated oil consumption from turbocharging, Turbocharger seal wears on small displacement. Power: 122 PS.

What to watch out for with the Volvo V40? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Volvo V40 2 have? +
The Volvo V40 2 has 42 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Volvo V40 2? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: B4164T (1.6L GTDi Turbo), D4162T (1.6L DRIVe), B4204T19 (2.0L T4 Drive-E), B4204T23 (2.0L T5 Drive-E), B3154T (1.5L), D4204T9 (2.0L D3 Drive-E), D4204T5 (2.0L D2 Drive-E). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the B4204T23 (2.0L T5 Drive-E). Problem engine: D4204T14 (2.0L D4 Drive-E) — stay away!
Which Volvo V40 2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Volvo V40 2 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} T5 Drive-E in the V40: 187 kW in a compact car is genuine driving pleasure. Direct, agile, convincing.
Is the Volvo V40 2 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Volvo V40 2 — 1 of 8 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Volvo V40 2? +
The Volvo V40 2 is available with engine variants from 109 to 254 hp. Petrol: B4164T (1.6L GTDi Turbo), B4204T19 (2.0L T4 Drive-E), B4204T23 (2.0L T5 Drive-E), B3154T (1.5L). Diesel: D4162T (1.6L DRIVe), D4204T9 (2.0L D3 Drive-E), D4204T14 (2.0L D4 Drive-E), D4204T5 (2.0L D2 Drive-E).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee