2003 Volvo S40 1.8L Petrol · BC03 OAD
2003 Volvo S40 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 28 Aug 2003. Recorded mileage 144,998 miles. MOT valid until 11 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- VOLVO S40
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 May 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 144,998 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
BC03 OAD Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/05/2026
- 144,998 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BC03 OAD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Volvo S40 (BC03 OAD) between July 2023 and May 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 13 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue), Steering (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”.
BC03 OAD Mileage History
- 19/07/2023140,433 mi
- 24/07/2023140,526 mi+93 mi
- 08/07/2024142,365 mi+1,839 mi
- 24/06/2025144,061 mi+1,696 mi
- 13/05/2026144,998 mi+937 mi
Average of roughly 1,620 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volvo S40 (Gen 1)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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VOLVO S40 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Front suspension bush and top mount wearModerate
Wishbone bushes, drop links and top mounts wear steadily on UK roads, leaving the S40 noisy at the front and less settled at motorway speeds.
- ABS module and speed signal faultsModerate
ABS control units and related wiring can fail intermittently, bringing warning lights, lost speed signal and awkward-to-diagnose electrical gremlins.
- Rear arch and sill corrosionSerious
Rust around the rear arches, sill ends and lower body mounts is a major reason otherwise usable S40s fail MOTs or become uneconomical to save.
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