Volvo S40 Saloon running costs and reliability

2004 - 2012 (change model)

Running costs rating: 4 out of 54.0

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019 Updated: 10 October 2023

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 29 - 74 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

Depreciation on the S40 is about the same as for the Volkswagen Jetta – petrol models are expected to retain just under one third of their value at three years/30,000 miles, while diesel versions are worth just over one third of the original price. Diesel running costs are modest – particularly the 1.6-litre and especially the DRIVe versions launched in 2009.

Servicing at Volvo dealers isn’t particularly cheap, but there are a few independent specialists to choose from.

The ‘greenest’ models in the S40 range use the 109bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine. Before 2009, these had CO2 emissions of 129g/km, but modifications for the low-emission DRIVe range brought them below 120g/km and from summer 2009 with the optional stop-start – which cuts the engine when idling in traffic and restarts when pressing the clutch to engage a gear – reached 104g/km.

Very impressive for a car of this size.

While Volvo has a good reputation for reliability and build quality, there have been numerous recalls for the S40 including potential problems with braking and the fuel pump. We’ve heard from several owners with problem cars (mostly earlier models) too, although many S40 owners have experienced trouble-free ownership.