Volvo V40: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 43,079 Volvo V40 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1996 and 2020.
In a sample of 399 cars, 60.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (17% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 19 recalls for this model; 2.7% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.3% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volvo V40
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 17% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 12.5% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 11.8% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 10.8% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 10.5% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 7.3% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 6.3% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 5.8% |
| Particulate filter not working properly, particle count too high | 4.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 4.5% |
Share of 399 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 12.5% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 8.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 43,079 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 2.7% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.3% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1996 to 2020 |
All Volvo V40 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-01-26 | brakes | – | 2,611 |
| 2020-11-20 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 8,411 |
| 2020-10-22 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 9,906 |
| 2020-07-08 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 21,376 |
| 2020-07-06 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 12,186 |
| 2020-03-20 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 779 |
| 2020-03-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 2,184 |
| 2019-12-17 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 7,683 |
| 2019-12-17 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 9,810 |
| 2019-10-07 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 9,015 |
| 2019-10-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 7,219 |
| 2019-07-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 36,793 |
| 2019-01-24 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 17,022 |
| 2016-12-28 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 365 |
| 2016-12-10 | axles, wheels and tyres | – | 68 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Volvo V40 fail the APK?
In a sample of 399 cars first registered 2012–2021, 60.7% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volvo V40?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (17%), tyre pressure incorrect (12.5%), spring broken or cracked (11.8%).
Does the Volvo V40 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 19 recalls. 2.7% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Volvo models
XC40 · XC60 · V60 · V70 · XC90 · EX30 · V50 · S60 · EX40 · V90 · XC70 · C30 · S40 · S80 · C70
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.