Volvo common problems and MOT failures
From 981,420 MOT tests in 2024, 19.8% of Volvo vehicles failed. Below are the most common reasons, ranked by how often they occur.
Top Volvo MOT failure reasons
| # | Problem | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | suspension pin, bush or joint worn | 23,131 |
| 2 | tyre seriously damaged | 19,839 |
| 3 | tyre tread depth outside legal limits | 17,753 |
| 4 | brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 17,672 |
| 5 | spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 17,086 |
| 6 | tyre cords visible or damaged | 14,329 |
| 7 | lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 13,335 |
| 8 | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits the requirements | 13,183 |
| 9 | transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 10,494 |
| 10 | rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | 9,905 |
What this means if you're buying a Volvo
The single most common MOT failure for Volvo is suspension pin, bush or joint worn, accounting for 15% of all failure items. Suspension repairs typically cost £150–£400 depending on the component.
These figures are from real MOT inspections. They show what testers actually find wrong with Volvo vehicles. If you're viewing a used Volvo, it's worth checking these areas specifically.
Volvo models by MOT pass rate
Lowest pass rates first. These models have the most testable issues.
| Model | Tests | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|
| V50 | 53,418 | 67.4% |
| S40 | 31,725 | 67.8% |
| 400 Series | 1,112 | 68.2% |
| C30 | 41,711 | 69.8% |
| 900 Series | 9,572 | 69.9% |
| 240 | 3,771 | 70.5% |
| 800 Series | 5,249 | 70.8% |
| C70 | 14,391 | 71.1% |
| V70 | 62,491 | 72% |
| 700 Series | 2,393 | 72.5% |
| 300 Series | 524 | 72.5% |
| S70 | 1,116 | 73.1% |
| S80 | 12,064 | 75.4% |
| S60 | 28,705 | 75.8% |
| Xc70 | 27,649 | 76.5% |
Buying a specific Volvo? Check the individual vehicle's MOT history for free on GOV.UK to see its actual test results, advisories, and mileage readings.
Check MOT history on GOV.UK