Volvo V40
Ford four-cylinder turbodiesel with 1.6 litres marketed as the Volvo DRIVe version. SOHC with timing belt and Euro 5 standard. Very economical; conceived for high-mileage drivers with an efficiency focus.
Just A to B
Minimal power for minimal demands. Volvo quality stays, driving fun falls by the wayside.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The original 240,000 km (150,000-mile) replacement interval of the PSA-derived DV6 was reduced to 140,000 km (87,500 miles) in 2014. Older vehicles maintained on the original interval carry elevated risk.
Symptoms: Sudden engine failure without warning, engine damage on belt snap
The D4162T engine block can crack during overheating events (e.g. from untreated coolant loss). Reports of cracked blocks following coolant starvation are documented in English-language Volvo forums.
Symptoms: Coolant loss following overheating, engine noises, white smoke, engine oil in coolant
The DPF of the PSA DV6/D4162T requires motorway runs for regeneration. With predominantly urban use the filter clogs quickly. An interrupted regeneration cycle (e.g. from engine stall) accelerates clogging.
Symptoms: DPF warning light early after purchase, power reduction, increased fuel consumption, soot smell when parking
On the PSA-derived DV6 diesel, the injector copper seals at the cylinder head interface tend to leak. Cylinder 3 is statistically the most commonly affected; exhaust residues seep out along the outside of the injector.
Symptoms: Soot deposits on outside of injectors, rough running, poor cold-start behaviour
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
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).