Volvo MOT Failure Rates
MOT failure rates for 13 Volvo models, ranked from highest to lowest failure rate. Data from official DVSA MOT test records covering 142 million UK MOT tests.
Volvo MOT Reliability Overview
Across 13 models with sufficient test data, Volvo vehicles have an average MOT failure rate of 26.8%. This puts Volvo below the UK national average of 28%, suggesting above-average reliability across the range.
The most reliable Volvo model for MOT is the Volvo Xc40 with a 9.2% failure rate. The highest failure rate belongs to the Volvo V50 at 42.8%.
These figures are calculated from real DVSA MOT test records and represent weighted averages across all vehicle ages and mileage bands. Only models with 100 or more test records are included to ensure statistical reliability.
Which Volvo Models Fail MOT Most?
| Model | Failure Rate | Total Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo V50 | 42.8% | 146,132 |
| Volvo S40 | 41.6% | 93,926 |
| Volvo C30 | 38.7% | 105,892 |
| Volvo C70 | 38.6% | 38,522 |
| Volvo V70 | 35.4% | 191,526 |
| Volvo S60 | 27.8% | 91,540 |
| Volvo Xc90 | 26.4% | 293,356 |
| Volvo V40 | 24.5% | 410,373 |
| Volvo V60 | 19.9% | 147,359 |
| Volvo Xc60 | 18.1% | 448,770 |
| Volvo V90 | 13.8% | 56,645 |
| Volvo S90 | 11.1% | 27,478 |
| Volvo Xc40 | 9.2% | 200,884 |
How we calculate failure rates: Rates are weighted averages across all mileage bands for each model. Only models with 100+ test records are shown. Data sourced from official DVSA MOT test records covering 142 million tests.
Volvo MOT FAQs
Are Volvo cars reliable for MOT?
Volvo has 13 models in our database. Volvo vehicles have average MOT reliability, with failure rates close to the UK average of 28%. Performance varies between models. Click on any model above to see a detailed component-level breakdown.
Which Volvo model is best for MOT?
The Volvo Xc40 has the lowest MOT failure rate at 9.2%, making it the most reliable Volvo model in our dataset. See full Volvo Xc40 MOT data.
Which Volvo model fails MOT most?
The Volvo V50 has the highest failure rate at 42.8%. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad car — higher failure rates often correlate with older average vehicle age. See full Volvo V50 MOT data.
How can I predict if my Volvo will pass its MOT?
AutoSafe offers a free AI-powered MOT prediction tool. Enter your registration number and postcode to get a personalised failure risk assessment based on your specific vehicle’s age, mileage, and MOT history.
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Related Guides
- Top 10 MOT Failure Points
- Pre-MOT Checklist
- MOT Failure Rates by Car
- How to Check MOT History
- Will My Car Pass Its MOT?
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