Volvo S70

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 3 model years from 1,326 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

78%

Total Tests

1,326

Highest Pass Rate

1999 (80%)

Years Covered

About the Volvo S70

The Volvo S70 was MOT tested 1,326 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 3 model years (1997 to 1999), with an average pass rate of 78%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 80% from 240 tests. The 1998 model has the lowest at 75%. With just a 5 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

The Volvo S70 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 137,308 miles, while the newest (1999) averages 127,603 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the S70 is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volvo models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1984cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,411

Per month£201/mo

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 1999 details

How reliable is the Volvo S70?

vs average of all models-4% (82% avg)

vs Volvo brand average-9% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread5 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Volvo S70 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1999	80%	240	127,603 mi
1998	75%	566	141,096 mi
1997	79%	520	137,308 mi

Questions about the Volvo S70

Is the Volvo S70 reliable?

Across its 3 model years in our data (1997 to 1999), the Volvo S70 averages a 78% MOT pass rate, from 1,326 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1999 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 80%.

Which year Volvo S70 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 Volvo S70 has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 75%, a 5 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.