Volvo 850r vs Volvo V40: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volvo 850r
70%
MOT pass rate · 3 vehicles
Volvo V40
74%
MOT pass rate · 171,790 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volvo 850r (70%) and Volvo V40 (74%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volvo 850r | Volvo V40 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 70% | 74% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 30% | 26% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.4 ✓ | 1.9 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 14% | 2% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 93,856 mi | 106,048 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 3 | 171,790 |
Most common faults
Volvo 850r
- Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))
- Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
- Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))
- Both headlight patterns poor
- Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak both sides (5.3.2 (b))
- Offside Front Anti-roll bar likely to become detached (5.3.3 (a) (ii))
Volvo V40
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- 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)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volvo 850r (70%) and Volvo V40 (74%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volvo 850r report Full Volvo V40 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.