2014 Volvo V40 2.0L Diesel · CV64 FFR

A pattern of front suspension and drivetrain sealing problems defines the mechanical history of this V40, with the August 2026 pass coming after a test that recorded no defects at all. That clean result is encouraging, but it follows a January 2026 advisory for a worn suspension arm pin or bush and a tyre close to the legal limit, and these items should be viewed in the context of two recent failures on closely related components. In September 2024 the car failed on a split offside front outer CV joint boot and an offside headlamp aim defect, the same CV boot fault having previously caused a fail in September 2022. An additional September 2023 failure recorded a perished offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover and another offside headlamp aim defect, while an oil leak advisory has appeared at successive tests in 2023 and 2024. Taken together, the record shows a recurring cluster of issues on the front axle and steering area, together with repeated headlamp aim problems, even though the most recent test is clean. The mileage of 119,061 miles over roughly twelve years equates to an average of about 9,900 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of its vintage. Annual mileage in MOT history is broadly steady, with no significant gaps in testing and no evidence of a multi-year lay-up that might have introduced separate concerns such as seized brakes or degraded fuel. Given this rate of use, the wear items already flagged on the MOT record should be read in the context of a vehicle that has done a moderate amount of work rather than being either pampered or heavily abused. Tyres, suspension joints, brake components and engine sealing items are all expected to show age-related wear at this mileage, and the record aligns with that expectation. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension and drivetrain areas that have repeatedly attracted advisories and failures. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly from the offside where the anti-roll bar linkage dust cover was flagged, and feel for vague or wandering steering that can indicate worn control arm bushes given the recent advisory. Inspect both front CV joint boots for fresh grease or splits, as the outer offside boot has failed twice historically, and check the under-trays for evidence of recent oil residue because of the recurring oil leak advisories. Also verify that both headlamps are correctly aligned, as offside aim being too high has been flagged at the last two failures, and have them re-checked on level ground if there is any doubt. General condition checks should focus on the items logged as minor or advisory, namely the windscreen damage recorded in 2024, the headlamp lens condensation noted in January 2026, and the rear tyres which have twice been recorded as close to the legal limit. Examine the windscreen chip for any sign of spreading and confirm that it remains outside the driver's direct line of sight, and inspect the headlamp lenses for moisture ingress or misting that could worsen over time. The rear tyres should be checked for uneven shoulder wear, which often points to alignment or suspension geometry issues that could be related to the worn components already mentioned. Finally, request evidence that any advisory items from January 2026 have been addressed, particularly the worn suspension bush, and consider an independent inspection of the front subframe mounting points and engine sump area for the source of the persistent oil leak.