Volvo 1800e vs Volvo S40: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volvo 1800e
75%
MOT pass rate · 29 vehicles
More reliable
Volvo S40
70%
MOT pass rate · 104,637 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Volvo 1800e is the more reliable of the two — 75% pass first time versus 70%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Volvo 1800e | Volvo S40 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% ✓ | 70% |
| MOT failure rate | 25% ✓ | 30% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.2 ✓ | 2.1 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 1% | 1% |
| Average mileage | 77,672 mi | 123,409 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 29 | 104,637 |
Most common faults
Volvo 1800e
- Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
- Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)
- Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)
- Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
- Oil leak
Volvo S40
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Volvo 1800e is the more reliable of the two — 75% pass first time versus 70%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Volvo 1800e report Full Volvo S40 report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.