Common problems by part
Volvo XC40 suspension problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 82,664 MOT tests · Updated
At 3 years, 0.2 in 100 MOT tests of the Volvo XC40 failed on suspension, against 0.6 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 82,664 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: fails less often than all class 4 vehicles the same age (0.3–0.4×) (all test years), 170 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 5 ages from 3 to 7 years, 229,238 MOT tests
- Most common fail: Anti-roll bar linkage: fractured, 0.1 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
0.2 fails per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.6 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 3 (all test years). The Volvo XC40 fails less often here.
Why it matters
A suspension fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated dangerous by DVSA.
What to check
Push down hard on each corner: it should rise once and settle. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and look behind each wheel for snapped springs or split rubber bushes.
Volvo XC40 suspension fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 82,664 | 0.2 | 0.6 |
| 4 | 71,742 | 0.4 | 0.9 |
| 5 | 46,359 | 0.7 | 1.6 |
| 6 | 21,758 | 1.1 | 2.9 |
| 7 | 6,715 | 1.0 | 4.4 |
All first-use years of the Volvo XC40 pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the suspension at 3 years
Fails
- Anti-roll bar linkage: fractured: 0.1 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.0. Anti-roll bar linkage fractured MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil: 0.1 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.0. Shock absorber has light misting of oil MOT advisory
- Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement: 0.0 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.4. Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement MOT advisory
Buying a Volvo XC40? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
By engine and fuel
- 1.5 petrol: 0.2 per 100 at 3 years, about average for petrol class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 28,287 MOT tests)
How to check on a test drive
Push down hard on each corner: it should rise once and settle. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and look behind each wheel for snapped springs or split rubber bushes.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil.
Check one Volvo XC40, not the average
The figures here describe Volvo XC40 cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Volvo XC40's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Volvo XC40 problems
- Volvo XC40 brakes problems
- Volvo XC40 lights and electrics problems
- Volvo XC40 body and structure problems
- Volvo XC40 exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Volvo XC40 seat belts and airbags problems
- Volvo XC40 windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Volvo XC40 tyres problems
- Volvo XC40 road wheels problems
Suspension on rival models
- Hyundai Tucson suspension problems: 0.2 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.2 for the Volvo XC40 (91,328 MOT tests)
- Vauxhall Grandland suspension problems: 0.3 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.2 for the Volvo XC40 (61,758 MOT tests)
- Peugeot 3008 suspension problems: 0.3 per 100 MOT tests at 3 years, against 0.2 for the Volvo XC40 (53,468 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Volvo XC40 have more suspension problems than other cars?
0.3 to 0.4 times the suspension fail rate of all class 4 vehicles the same age at 3 years (all test years), from 82,664 MOT tests. The interval is clear of 0.8 in the same direction at 4 of the 5 ages seen (ages up to 18 with at least 100 MOT tests with a fail).
How common are Volvo XC40 suspension problems?
0.2 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years failed on suspension, against 0.6 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 82,664 MOT tests).
What is the most common Volvo XC40 suspension fail?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 3 years: Anti-roll bar linkage: fractured (45 MOT tests with it).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 229,238 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare