Volvo V70

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 20 model years from 80,332 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

77%

Total Tests

80,332

Highest Pass Rate

2016 (88%)

Years Covered

About the Volvo V70

The Volvo V70 was MOT tested 80,332 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 20 model years (1997 to 2016), with an average pass rate of 77%. That's 5 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 diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 88% from 1,228 tests. The 2002 model has the lowest at 70%. With a 18 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Volvo V70s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 162,096 miles, while the newest (2016) averages 78,855 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Volvo brand average of 87%, the V70 is 10 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volvo models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2000cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/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 2016 details

How reliable is the Volvo V70?

vs average of all models-5% (82% avg)

vs Volvo brand average-10% (87% avg)

Best to worst year spread18 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volvo V70 by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2016	88%	1,228	78,855 mi
2015	85%	3,395	87,586 mi
2014	85%	3,373	100,014 mi
2013	82%	3,154	115,277 mi
2012	81%	2,915	123,694 mi
2011	82%	3,696	128,965 mi
2010	80%	5,168	136,037 mi
2009	77%	7,268	141,176 mi
2008	79%	6,242	145,833 mi
2007	76%	5,153	144,943 mi
2006	74%	5,049	147,175 mi
2005	73%	6,350	155,857 mi
2004	71%	5,478	158,377 mi
2003	71%	4,846	158,001 mi
2002	70%	4,400	157,266 mi
2001	71%	2,976	151,094 mi
2000	71%	2,458	158,830 mi
1999	72%	2,866	164,681 mi
1998	71%	2,545	163,098 mi
1997	71%	1,772	162,096 mi

Questions about the Volvo V70

Is the Volvo V70 reliable?

Across its 20 model years in our data (1997 to 2016), the Volvo V70 averages a 77% MOT pass rate, from 80,332 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2016 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 88%.

Which year Volvo V70 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Volvo V70 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 70%, a 18 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.