2016 Volvo V40 2.0L Diesel · FM65 XRB

The 2016 Volvo V40 has recently passed its MOT test on January 30, 2026, at 70,801 miles, with no defects recorded—a clean result that suggests the vehicle currently meets minimum roadworthiness standards. However, the history reveals a pattern of recurring, albeit minor, issues over the past five tests. The most concerning trend involves persistent corrosion on the front coil springs, flagged in both the February 2025 and February 2024 tests. While this was not a fail condition, it indicates long-standing neglect of a critical suspension component, which could compromise ride quality and handling if left unaddressed. The 2023 test also noted a defective offside rear reflector, a simple but essential safety item that was likely replaced since then. The January 2022 test’s vague entry about items removed from the driver’s view prior to inspection suggests either a temporary obstruction or a potential oversight in vehicle presentation. Overall, the trend is stable in terms of pass/fail outcomes, but the recurring suspension corrosion and past reflector issue warrant closer scrutiny. The recorded mileage of 70,801 miles over a decade suggests typical usage for a vehicle of this age, averaging around 7,080 miles annually. There are no significant gaps or abrupt jumps in mileage between tests, which would otherwise raise concerns about extended periods of inactivity or rapid wear. The most notable interval is between the January 2023 (56,922 miles) and January 2022 (49,135 miles) tests, where the vehicle accumulated roughly 7,787 miles in a year—a slight uptick but still within reasonable bounds. The consistency in mileage accumulation implies the vehicle has been driven regularly rather than stored for extended periods, which could have exacerbated corrosion or other wear issues. A buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the front suspension, particularly the coil springs, given their repeated corrosion flags. Look for signs of rust penetration, uneven wear, or sagging in the suspension geometry, as these could indicate deeper structural issues. The rear brakes were not explicitly mentioned in recent tests, but given the vehicle’s age and mileage, binding or uneven wear should be checked. The 2022 reflector issue suggests attention to all exterior lighting and reflectors is essential. Finally, inspect the underbody for corrosion, especially around the wheel arches and sills, as this could correlate with the suspension rust observed. While the MOT history shows no major failings, these areas require verification to ensure they have been properly maintained beyond the minimum legal requirements.