Volvo V40
EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder with 1.6 litres, developed in the Volvo-Ford partnership and manufactured in Wales. Direct injection with turbocharging for good torque at low fuel consumption. Note thermal stress on the turbocharger during spirited driving.
Sensible base engine
Perfectly adequate for everyday use. At its limit on the motorway, competent in city traffic.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The Ford-derived 1.6 EcoBoost (B4164T) had a defective head gasket with incomplete die-cut holes that restricted coolant flow. Overheating without warning possible due to missing coolant level sensor — led to a recall.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss without warning, engine temperature rises quickly, coolant smell
Ford recalled in 2014 vehicles with the 1.6-litre EcoBoost because the cylinder head could overheat and catch fire if coolant was lost. Fix: retrofit of a coolant level sensor and software update.
On the Ford-derived EcoBoost engine of the B4164T, coolant hoses at the turbo crack under thermal and pressure cycling. Coolant loss under load is possible and can lead to overheating.
Symptoms: Coolant loss after motorway driving, white steam from engine bay, rising coolant temperature
The Powershift DSG combination with the B4164T was known for jerky gear changes. Problems including transmission damage were reported, especially on early model years (up to 2015).
Symptoms: Jerking on pull-away, empty gearbox feel, shift hesitation in the lower rpm range
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
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.
Affects V40 II model years 2013–2016: a cooling system defect can cause coolant to escape onto hot engine components and, in extreme cases, cause underbonnet fires. Volvo recalled affected vehicles.
The rear brake calipers on the V40 II seize, causing uneven pad wear and preventing the parking brake from working correctly. Rust on the brake discs accelerates the problem.
The A/C compressor fails at 40,000–80,000 km through defective compressors or leaking pipes. Warm air despite A/C being on and unusual noises are typical symptoms.
The V40 II starter battery is a known breakdown weak point. Deep discharge occurs frequently after just 3–4 years, especially with short city runs. Quiescent current measurements show elevated standby consumption.
Coolant loss occurs especially on T3 and T4 engines after 80,000–100,000 km. The cause is leaking hoses or the coolant reservoir cap. A pressure test is recommended before purchase.
The V40 II windscreen tends to leak at the upper edge due to poor factory adhesive. Water collects under the carpet, can damage electronics and cause mould.
MOT inspectors regularly flag worn suspension springs and dampers on the V40 II. This becomes apparent early on poor roads. Rear brake pads also show above-average wear.
Door locks freeze in very low temperatures and cannot be opened or closed. The lock has to be removed and dried; use lock grease preventively.
The paint on the plastic bumpers flakes off early, especially with dark colours. The cause is inadequate factory priming; repainting is more durable than spot repairs.
Faulty seat heating mats are a frequently reported problem on the V40 II. Usually only one side still works or heating output drops off markedly. The cause is worn heating elements or faulty controllers.
Reports & Tests
1 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2012–2019). Most reported: Other (1).