What engine does the Volvo V40 use?

The Volvo V40 has always used four-cylinder power, with the latest models relying on Volvo’s Drive-E family of turbocharged four-cylinder engines for both petrol and diesel variants. There are no V40s with a V6. Engine availability depends on model year and market.

Engine families by generation

The V40's powertrain lineup evolved with each generation, but it stayed within four-cylinder layouts across petrol and diesel options. Here’s a broad guide to what powered the V40 over its lifetime.

• First generation (1995–2004): inline-four petrol and diesel engines, typically 1.6–2.0 liters, with turbocharged variants in sportier trims.


• Second generation (2004–2012): expanded petrol and diesel options in a similar 1.6–2.0 liter range, including turbocharged units for higher performance.


• Third generation (2012–2019): modern Drive-E four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, predominantly 1.6–2.0 liters and turbocharged.

In summary, across its three generations the V40 relied on four-cylinder powertrains, with the Drive-E family representing the current and most common setup for petrol and diesel variants.

Drive-E era: the modern V40 powertrains

From 2012 onward, Volvo introduced the Drive-E family, bringing more efficient four-cylinder power to the V40. In practice, this means petrol and diesel options that use turbocharged four-cylinders in roughly 1.6–2.0-liter displacement.

• Petrol: Drive-E four-cylinder turbo engines, typically in the 1.6- to 2.0-liter range, providing a balance of performance and efficiency for most V40 variants.


• Diesel: Drive-E four-cylinder turbo engines in the 1.6- to 2.0-liter range, often tuned for higher torque and fuel economy in everyday driving.

Put simply, the modern Volvo V40 primarily uses four-cylinder Drive-E engines, with petrol and diesel variants tailored to markets and trim levels.

What to know when shopping for a V40

When shopping for a used V40, engine availability depends on the model year. Check which engine family applies to the car you’re considering and review service history. Common concerns can include turbocharger wear on higher-mileage diesels, oil consumption, and timing-chain/ belt intervals depending on the exact engine family. A thorough test drive should reveal any startup roughness, misfires, or unusual noises.

Summary

Volvo’s V40 has always run on four-cylinder power. The early cars used a mix of petrol and diesel four-cylinders; the 2012–2019 generation shifted to the Drive-E turbocharged four-cylinders for both petrol and diesel. Today, the V40’s engine choice centers on 1.6–2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinders designed for efficiency and performance across markets.

Does the Volvo V40 use a Ford engine?

For diesel drivers, the older Ford-derived engines include a 115bhp 1.6-litre unit in the D2 and a 150bhp powerplant in the D3. For petrol people, there's a 1.6-litre engine developing 180bhp in the T4. There are also lesser versions of this unit offering 120bhp in the T2 or 150bhp in the T3.

Is the Volvo V40 a reliable car?

The Volvo V40 is generally considered reliable, especially with proper maintenance, but has some known common issues to watch for, such as electrical problems, and some engines (like the early 1.6L Ford EcoBoost) can have issues. Owners have reported varying experiences, from few problems to expensive repairs, and common issues include electrical gremlins, starter motor faults, and potential problems with specific engines, particularly in pre-2016 models. Be sure to check the service history, as regular maintenance is crucial for reliability.
 
This video provides a comprehensive overview of the Volvo V40, including common issues and what to look for before buying: 53sBefore BuyingYouTube · Aug 13, 2022
Common problems and things to look for

• Electrical system faults: Owners report issues with the starter motor, infotainment system, and other electrical components, especially on models from 2014 onwards. 
• Engine-specific issues:
  • Early 1.6L Ford EcoBoost engines can have problems with their gas distribution system, although these issues don't typically lead to major engine damage. 
  • Some turbo models (T3/T4/T5, 2015+) have reported a whining or vibration noise. 
  • Diesel engines, particularly the 2.0-liter, have had recalls for potential engine fires due to a cracking fuel hose on some models. 
• Other potential issues:
  • ABS sensor wiring corrosion on older models. 
  • Stiff R-Design suspension springs are known to snap. 
  • Auto-folding mirrors can be damaged by freezing in winter. 
  • Rear door locks have been known to fail. 

What to look for when buying

• Service history: A well-documented service history is a good indicator of reliability, especially for models with higher mileage. 
• Electrical components: Test all electrical features, such as power windows, mirrors, and the infotainment system, during a test drive. 
• Engine and emissions: Check for recalls related to specific engines, especially fuel hoses and cooling systems. 
• Wear and tear: Inspect for damage to wheels (especially with R-Design models), tires, and check for evidence of oil leaks or engine noises. 

This video explains common problems and weaknesses of the Volvo V40: 59sMasterCarsProYouTube · Nov 8, 2021

Is the Volvo 2.0 D4 engine any good?

The 2.0 D4 190 can be mapped to be more powerful, but it's still fwd. It is more efficient by a long way. I had a D4 190 Manual years ago,out 77k miles on it in 3 years and it was solid, always pulled about 65mpg. The 5cyls won't get close to that, around low 50s at best.

What engines does the Volvo V40 use?

Volvo V40 (2012–2019)

Volvo V40
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 2012–2015 T2, T3, T4 1.6 L EcoBoost I4 T4 2.0 L B5204T9, T5 2.5 L B5254T12/T14 I5 2015–2019 T2, T3 Drive-E 1.5L VEP4 I4 T2, T3, T4, T5 Drive-E 2.0 L VEP4 I4 Diesel: 2012–2015 D2 1.6 L PSA DV6 I4 D3, D4 2.0 L Volvo D5 I5 2015–2019 D2, D3, D4 Drive-E 2.0 L VED4 I4