MOT failure data · 2025

Volvo XC40 MOT problems

Across every Volvo XC40 that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick, on 24.42% of failure items. The broadest problem area was tyres at 44.38%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.

Most common Volvo XC40 MOT failures

#	Recorded defect	Area	Share
1	Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick	Brakes	24.42%
2	Condition has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords	Tyres	20.39%
3	Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm	Tyres	12.03%
4	Condition has ply or cords exposed	Tyres	5.98%
5	Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively	Visibility	4.3%
6	Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction	Noise, emissions and leaks	2.3%
7	Brake discs significantly and obviously worn	Brakes	2.25%
8	Joints constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt	Body, chassis, structure	2.09%
9	Condition has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure	Tyres	2.03%
10	Linkage fractured	Suspension	2.02%

Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.

What this means if you are buying one

Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Volvo XC40, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.

The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Volvo XC40 buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.

Checking a specific Volvo XC40?

Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.

Other Volvo models

Volvo XC40 MOT FAQs

What does a Volvo XC40 most commonly fail its MOT on?

The single most recorded defect on Volvo XC40 cars failing their 2025 MOT was "brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick", appearing on 24.42% of failure items.

Does this mean my Volvo XC40 will fail?

No. This is what testers recorded across every Volvo XC40 that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Volvo XC40 passed 91.46% of its initial tests.

How do I see a specific Volvo XC40's MOT history?

Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.

Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.