Volvo XC40: what fails at MOT
127,000 MOT tests on the Volvo XC40 in 2024, counted. 8.9% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
8.9% of Volvo XC40 tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 12%, so the XC40 does better than most cars its age.
It fails most often on tyres (2.3% of tests), brakes (1.8% of tests) and wipers, washers and windscreen (0.7% of tests).
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 45,879 | 8.4% | 10.9% | 24,700 17,700 to 33,300 |
| 2020 | 46,321 | 8.3% | 11.5% | 30,000 21,800 to 40,200 |
| 2019 | 24,319 | 10.0% | 13.4% | 37,500 27,200 to 50,200 |
| 2018 | 10,535 | 10.7% | 15.6% | 44,900 33,500 to 58,100 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of Volvo XC40 tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | XC40 | Cars its age | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 2.3% | 3.0% | |
| Brakes | 1.8% | 1.3% | |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 0.7% | 1.9% | Less than most |
| Lights and electrics | 0.6% | 1.9% | Less than most |
The parts that fail most
- Tyre1.7%
- Brake pads1.6%
- Tyre tread0.7%
- Wipers0.5%
- Headlamp aim0.4%
- Engine warning light0.1%
- Washers0.1%
- Brake discs0.1%
- Linkage0.1%
- Driveshaft joint0.1%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
- Tyre: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm0.6%
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.5%
- Tyre: has ply or cords exposed0.4%
- Headlamp aim: too high0.3%
- Engine warning light: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.1%
- Tyre: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.1%
- Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.1%
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.1%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge8.4%
- Brake pads: wearing thin5.9%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing2.5%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened1.9%
- Brake discs: worn, but not excessively1.7%
- Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt1.7%
- Tyre: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
- Nail in tyre1.2%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
- “Do the wipers and washers work properly, and is the windscreen chipped or cracked?”
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
Check a Volvo XC40's own MOT record
Type the registration from the advert. You'll see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.