Volvo V40
First Drive-E turbocharged four-cylinder with 2.0 litres and 140 kW, Volvo's completely redesigned engine family from 2013. Direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharger, and variable oil pump. Light aluminium open-deck block for low fuel consumption; watch for thermostat problems on early build dates.
Solid everyday performance
Ample power for relaxed long-distance travel. Not a sports car, but a reliable companion without signs of fatigue.
Engine Weaknesses 6
All Drive-E four-cylinders use a timing belt rather than a chain. Change interval is 120,000–150,000 km (some sources: 12–16 years). Earlier change recommended at high mileage.
Symptoms: No warning before sudden failure; occasional belt squeal with failing tensioner
Drive-E engines from early production years (2013–2016) show a known piston ring problem with increased oil consumption. A class action lawsuit in the USA documented the issue. Rings were revised from MY2016.5.
Symptoms: Heavy oil consumption (1 L / 1,000 km or more), blue smoke from the exhaust especially on acceleration, frequent top-ups required
The Drive-E four-cylinders (VEP4) were fitted with low-tension piston rings to reduce friction. Result: elevated oil consumption, especially in the early production phase 2014–2016. Volvo extended the warranty to 8 years/160,000 km.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level without visible leaks, occasional blue smoke, oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km
The PCV system of the Drive-E T4 tends to clog with extended oil change intervals. Positive crankcase pressure forces oil past seals and accelerates oil consumption through the piston rings.
Symptoms: Overpressure at oil filler, oil in air filter housing, smoke from breather, oil cap blows off
The rubber boost hoses between the turbocharger and intercooler age and crack. Typical problem on Drive-E engines after 100,000 km. Pressure loss leads to power drop and engine fault codes.
Symptoms: Sudden power loss, whistling noise under load, check engine light, turbo underboost fault code
Some Drive-E T4/T5 engines exhibit idle hunting between 900 and 1,700 rpm. Causes include the lambda sensor, throttle actuator or software. Often resolved by an ECU update.
Symptoms: Irregular idle speed, rpm spikes to 1,500–1,700 rpm without driver input, idle shudder
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.