Common Volvo 800 Series Problems, Faults, and Repair Costs
Typical MOT issues to check on the Volvo 800 Series, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 5,797 MOT tests across 5 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: premium | Fuel: Petrol, Diesel
75%
Volvo 800 Series pass rate
87%
Volvo average
82%
All-model average
The Volvo 800 Series has an average MOT pass rate of 75%, which is 12 points below the Volvo average and 7 points below the average across all models in our data. The Volvo 800 Series has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 0 percentage points.
Check Your Volvo 800 Series's MOT History
Enter your reg plate to see the specific issues found on your car, plus a health score and running cost estimate.
Common MOT Issues to Check on the Volvo 800 Series
Typical issues for a car of this age and type, estimated from its age, fuel type and engine size (not counted from its MOT records), with rough repair costs
Brakes
High likelihood£80 - £450
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Brake discs worn, brake pads thin, handbrake adjustment needed
Failure points:
Brake disc excessively worn, brake pipe corroded, brake efficiency below minimum
Suspension
High likelihood£150 - £600
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Suspension arm bush worn, shock absorber misting, spring corroded
Failure points:
Coil spring broken, ball joint excessive play, shock absorber leaking
Lights
High likelihood£15 - £200
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Headlamp aim slightly out, lens deteriorated
Failure points:
Headlamp not working, brake light not functioning, indicator failure
Tyres
High likelihood£50 - £300
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Tyre approaching legal limit, slight damage to sidewall
Failure points:
Tyre below minimum tread depth, tyre has a cut exposing ply
Exhaust & Emissions
High likelihood£80 - £800
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Exhaust mounting corroded, slight exhaust leak
Failure points:
Exhaust emissions exceed limits, catalytic converter efficiency low, DPF warning
Steering
High likelihood£100 - £500
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Track rod end has slight play, steering rack boot deteriorated
Failure points:
Steering rack leaking, track rod ball joint worn beyond limits
Body & Structure
High likelihood£200 - £1200
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Surface corrosion on subframe, slight body panel damage
Failure points:
Structural corrosion, body mounting corroded through, chassis weakness
Windscreen & Wipers
Lower likelihood£10 - £350
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Minor windscreen chip, wiper blade deteriorated
Failure points:
Windscreen crack in swept area, wiper does not clear windscreen
Is your specific car affected?
Enter your reg plate to check your car's individual MOT history, health score, and flag any issues.
Premium check (£4.99) includes stolen, finance, and write-off verification.
Volvo 800 Series Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
Highest Pass Rate
1995
76% pass rate from 1,704 tests
Level with 1994
View 1995 Volvo 800 Series detailsVolvo 800 Series Running Costs
Want to know the full annual running costs for the Volvo 800 Series? Including fuel, road tax, the MOT and predicted repairs based on MOT pass rates, plus an estimated insurance group.
View Volvo 800 Series Running CostsSave Money on Your Volvo 800 Series
Handpicked deals to cut the cost of owning your Volvo 800 Series
Compare car insurance quotes
Free, no-obligation quotes
Compare quotes from UK insurers in a few minutes, in one search.
Compare quotes →🔍Car history check for £4.99
Finance, stolen and write-off checks
Outstanding finance with the lender's details, stolen, write-off and keeper changes. One payment, no subscription.
Check a car →✅Used car warranty quotes
Get a quote online
Cover for repair bills after the manufacturer warranty ends. Check what each plan covers.
Get a quote →🔧Book an MOT near you
Compare garage prices
Compare MOT prices at local garages and book online.
Find garages →Volvo 800 Series FAQ
What are the most common Volvo 800 Series problems?
Typical issues to check on a Volvo 800 Series of this age and type are brakes, suspension, lights, tyres, exhaust & emissions, steering and body & structure. These are estimated from its age, fuel type and engine size, not counted from its MOT records. Across 5,797 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 75% ended in a pass.
Is the Volvo 800 Series reliable?
The Volvo 800 Series has an average MOT pass rate of 75%, from 5,797 MOT tests. That is 7 points below the average across all models in our data (82%), so budget for potential repairs. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.
Which year Volvo 800 Series is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 1995 Volvo 800 Series has the highest MOT pass rate: 76% of its 1,704 tests ended in a pass. The 1994 is level on 76%. The 1997 has the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common Volvo 800 Series faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a Volvo 800 Series typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
Check a Specific Volvo 800 Series
Enter any reg plate to see the exact MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.
Other Volvo Models
Common problems pages for other Volvo models