Volvo 240
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 4 model years from 2,413 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests
2,413
Highest Pass Rate
1991 (78%)
Years Covered
4
About the Volvo 240
The Volvo 240 was MOT tested 2,413 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 4 model years (1990 to 1993), with an average pass rate of 74%. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 model has the highest pass rate at 78% from 400 tests. The 1993 model has the lowest at 68%. The 10 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
Older Volvo 240s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 8 percentage points across model years.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 145,885 miles, while the newest (1993) averages 156,771 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the 240 is 13 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volvo models.
Estimated Running Costs
Higher due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 1993 detailsHow reliable is the Volvo 240?
Volvo 240 by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Volvo 240
Is the Volvo 240 reliable?
Across its 4 model years in our data (1990 to 1993), the Volvo 240 averages a 74% MOT pass rate, from 2,413 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1991 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 78%.
Which year Volvo 240 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1991 Volvo 240 has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 68%, a 10 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Volvo 240s more reliable?
Older Volvo 240s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 8 percentage points across model years.
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