Volvo Common MOT Problems (2026)
Every Volvo model ranked by MOT fail rate, with the most common issues identified for each. Based on 1,119,152 real MOT tests.
Average Volvo MOT pass rate: 87%
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See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
87%
Avg pass rate
13%
Avg fail rate
216
Models tested
Volvo Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates across all tested years
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Common Issues | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volvo V50 | 28% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Turbo issues | |
| 2 | Volvo S40 | 28% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 3 | Volvo 700 Series | 28% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 4 | Volvo 400 Series | 27% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 5 | Volvo 900 Series | 26% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion |
Most Reliable Volvo Models
Lowest average fail rates; the Volvo models least likely to have MOT problems
All Volvo Models by Fail Rate
Every Volvo model and year combination, sorted by fail rate (highest first)
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V40 | 2003 | 66% | 33% | |
| V40 | 2004 | 66% | 33% | |
| V40 | 1999 | 67% | 33% | |
| 900 Series | 1999 | 67% | 33% | |
| V40 | 2000 | 66% | 32% | |
| S40 | 1999 | 66% | 32% | |
| 700 Series | 1991 | 68% | 32% | |
| S40 | 2003 | 67% | 31% | |
| V40 | 2002 | 68% | 31% | |
| 900 Series | 1994 | 69% | 31% | |
| S40 | 2002 | 69% | 31% | |
| 240 | 1993 | 68% | 31% | |
| S40 | 2000 | 65% | 31% | |
| V40 | 1998 | 67% | 31% | |
| 400 Series | 1993 | 67% | 31% | |
| 400 Series | 1996 | 64% | 31% | |
| V50 | 2006 | 69% | 30% | |
| V50 | 2005 | 69% | 30% | |
| S40 | 2004 | 70% | 30% | |
| V50 | 2004 | 69% | 30% | |
| V40 | 1997 | 70% | 30% | |
| 400 Series | 1992 | 68% | 30% | |
| V60 | 2021 | 70% | 30% | |
| V50 | 2008 | 70% | 29% | |
| V70 | 2002 | 70% | 29% | |
| S40 | 2005 | 70% | 29% | |
| Xc70 | 2004 | 70% | 29% | |
| 900 Series | 1992 | 70% | 29% | |
| S40 | 2001 | 71% | 29% | |
| V50 | 2007 | 71% | 28% | |
| V70 | 2004 | 71% | 28% | |
| V70 | 2003 | 71% | 28% | |
| V70 | 2001 | 71% | 28% | |
| V70 | 1998 | 71% | 28% | |
| V70 | 2000 | 71% | 28% | |
| C70 | 2006 | 71% | 28% | |
| V70 | 1997 | 71% | 28% | |
| Xc90 | 2003 | 72% | 28% | |
| V40 | 2001 | 70% | 28% | |
| Xc70 | 2003 | 72% | 28% | |
| S40 | 1997 | 72% | 28% | |
| V50 | 2010 | 72% | 27% | |
| V50 | 2009 | 72% | 27% | |
| V50 | 2011 | 72% | 27% | |
| C30 | 2008 | 72% | 27% | |
| S40 | 2008 | 72% | 27% | |
| Xc90 | 2004 | 72% | 27% | |
| C30 | 2007 | 72% | 27% | |
| S40 | 2010 | 72% | 27% | |
| S40 | 2006 | 73% | 27% |
Showing top 50 of 570 model/year combinations. View all Volvo models
Volvo MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Volvo cars?
The most common MOT problems on Volvo cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake component deterioration, and tyre condition issues. Older Volvo diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. The V50 has the highest average fail rate at 28%.
Which Volvo model is the most reliable?
The most reliable Volvo model in our data is the Xc60 Core B4 Mhev Awd Auto with an average MOT pass rate of 100%. View all Volvo models for full reliability data.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Volvo?
The average MOT pass rate for Volvo is 87%, based on 1,119,152 MOT tests across 216 models. This means about 13% of Volvo cars fail their MOT on the first attempt.
Check a Specific Volvo
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