IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2010 Volvo S40 (P1)

From the end of May 2010 the S40 received a new power range: D2, D3 and D4 diesels alongside 1.6, 2.0 and T5 petrols and a flexible-fuel 2.0F, marketed as the 2011 model until production ended in May 2012.

What changed for 2010

  • •2010: complete engine and transmission replacement on the same body
  • •Final run-out models to May 2012
  • •DRIVe economy variants led the range

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Diesel D2 cars need motorway evidence to stay clean
  • !Clutch and dual-clutch software faults on automatics
  • !Lock actuator failures
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Powershift gearbox faults

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

Dual-clutch Powershift transmissions can jerk, hesitate or overheat if the correct fluid service schedule has been missed.

Est. Repair Cost: £900–£2,500
Warning Signs:

Jerky take-off, Transmission warning, Shudder in traffic or reverse

What to Inspect:
  • Confirm fluid-change history
  • Drive slowly and on hills
  • Look for specialist gearbox invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

EGR and DPF clogging on diesels

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

Urban-driven diesel S40s soot up their EGR and DPF systems, bringing hesitation, smoke and frequent warning lights.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£900
Warning Signs:

Flat performance, Engine light, Frequent regeneration or smoke

What to Inspect:
  • Warm drive at motorway speed
  • Ask about DPF replacement or forced regeneration
  • Avoid obvious short-trip cars
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Door lock actuator failure

MinorBodywork & Rust

Central-locking actuators wear out and leave one door ignoring the remote or needing repeated unlock attempts.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£300 per door
Warning Signs:

One door stays locked, Double press needed to unlock, Remote works inconsistently

What to Inspect:
  • Test every door separately
  • Check both keys
  • Listen for weak latch movement
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2010 Volvo S40 (P1)

  • Late cars are the pick of the used heap for emissions and reliability.
  • The 2.0D and D3 five-cylinder engines are the sweet spot of the range.
2008–20092011–2012
Check a 2010 Volvo S40 (P1) by Registration