Volvo 400 Series
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 7 model years from 1,190 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests
1,190
Highest Pass Rate
1994 (73%)
Years Covered
7
About the Volvo 400 Series
The Volvo 400 Series was MOT tested 1,190 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 7 model years (1990 to 1996), with an average pass rate of 72%. That's 10 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 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 73% from 218 tests. The 1993 model has the lowest at 67%. The 6 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
Newer Volvo 400 Seriess pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 63,532 miles, while the newest (1996) averages 73,913 miles.
Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the 400 Series is 15 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 1996 detailsHow reliable is the Volvo 400 Series?
Volvo 400 Series by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Volvo 400 Series
Is the Volvo 400 Series reliable?
Across its 7 model years in our data (1990 to 1996), the Volvo 400 Series averages a 72% MOT pass rate, from 1,190 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1994 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 73%.
Which year Volvo 400 Series has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 Volvo 400 Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 73%, while the 1993 model has the lowest at 67%, a 6 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Volvo 400 Seriess more reliable?
Newer Volvo 400 Seriess pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Volvo 400 Series Guides & Articles
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)
13 min read
Checking a specific Volvo 400 Series?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.