Volvo S40 (2008)
2008 Volvo S40
CarHunch analysed 5,997 real MOT records for the 2008 Volvo S40. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2008 Volvo S40 passes its MOT at 75.4%, which is noticeably below the UK average of 80%, and nearly half of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a serious concern for any buyer. Petrol and diesel variants perform identically, so fuel type won't help you dodge the reliability issues.
These cars are averaging around 81,000 miles at test, which is reasonable for age, but they're clocking up 4.14 failures per vehicle on average, suggesting structural wear is hitting hard. The high advisory count of 20.8 per car points to cumulative deterioration across multiple systems; have a trusted mechanic inspect the brake lines, suspension, and cooling system closely before committing to purchase.
What to check before buying a 2008 Volvo S40
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 45.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Volvo S40
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (53%) | 3,183 | 75.4% | 4.45 |
| Diesel (47%) | 2,809 | 75.4% | 3.78 |
| LPG (0%) | 5 | 69.1% | 4.6 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2008 Volvo S40 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2008 Volvo S40 vehicles fall between 53,515 and 84,403 miles.
2008 Volvo S40 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 2,347 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (44% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2008 Volvo S40
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
54.3%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
52.8%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
42.5%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
40.9%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
40.8%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
39.1%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
34.2%
Oil leak, but not excessive
-
29.8%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Volvo S40?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.