Most Reliable Volvo Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 556,785 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Volvo models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
556,785 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Volvo model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Volvo XC40
90.2% pass rate
Best Single Year
S60 2010 Diesel
74.7% pass rate
Volvo vs National Average
73.2% vs 71.5%
+1.7% above average
Proven Durability Champion
S80 2008
+12.8% at 13+ years
Volvo has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 556,785 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Volvo models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Volvo model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Volvo Compares to Rivals
Volvo ranks #35 out of 75 manufacturers with a 73.2% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus | 83.3% | #18 | 157,583 |
| Bmw | 78.5% | #22 | 1,808,787 |
| Jaguar | 78.2% | #23 | 336,140 |
| Audi | 77.9% | #25 | 1,663,207 |
| Land Rover | 77.0% | #26 | 870,604 |
| Mercedes-Benz | 76.9% | #27 | 1,662,304 |
| Volvo | 73.2% | #35 | 556,785 |
The verdict: Lexus maintains a lead among competitors, while Volvo sits at #35. However, newer Volvo models significantly outperform this average.
Best Volvo Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Volvo's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC40 | 90.2% | +18.7% | 46,378 | 2018-2021 |
| S90 | 88.0% | +16.5% | 6,595 | 2016-2020 |
| V90 | 85.2% | +13.7% | 12,704 | 2016-2020 |
| XC60 | 79.8% | +8.3% | 100,511 | 2008-2020 |
| V60 | 77.8% | +6.3% | 34,732 | 2010-2020 |
| V40 | 73.4% | +1.9% | 99,897 | 2000-2019 |
| XC90 | 72.1% | +0.6% | 66,528 | 2003-2020 |
| S60 | 71.3% | -0.2% | 20,861 | 2001-2020 |
| XC70 | 68.5% | -3.0% | 17,670 | 2003-2016 |
| S80 | 68.4% | -3.1% | 7,313 | 2000-2016 |
Top performer
The XC40 dramatically outperforms other Volvos with an 90.2% pass rate, putting it among the most reliable cars in the database.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Volvo Models Age Best?
These Volvo models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S80 | 2008 | Diesel | +12.8% | 13+ years | 70.1% |
| XC70 | 2009 | Diesel | +11.5% | 13+ years | 68.8% |
| XC60 | 2009 | Diesel | +11.4% | 13+ years | 68.7% |
| XC70 | 2010 | Diesel | +11.0% | 13+ years | 68.3% |
| V70 | 2010 | Diesel | +10.7% | 11-12 years | 73.5% |
| XC70 | 2008 | Diesel | +10.3% | 13+ years | 67.6% |
| XC60 | 2010 | Diesel | +10.1% | 13+ years | 67.4% |
| V70 | 2008 | Diesel | +9.8% | 13+ years | 67.1% |
| V70 | 2010 | Diesel | +9.4% | 13+ years | 66.7% |
| S60 | 2011 | Diesel | +9.3% | 11-12 years | 72.1% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Volvo models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S90 | 2017 | Diesel | +6.9% | 5-6 years | 88.1% |
| XC60 | 2018 | Diesel | +6.8% | 5-6 years | 88.0% |
| XC40 | 2018 | Diesel | +4.9% | 3-4 years | 90.7% |
| XC40 | 2018 | Petrol | +4.8% | 3-4 years | 90.6% |
| XC60 | 2017 | Petrol | +4.5% | 5-6 years | 85.7% |
| XC40 | 2019 | Petrol | +4.5% | 3-4 years | 90.3% |
| XC40 | 2020 | Petrol | +4.1% | 3-4 years | 90.0% |
| XC60 | 2019 | Diesel | +3.8% | 3-4 years | 89.7% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Volvo XC60: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The XC60 has 100,511 tests in our database with an overall 79.8% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 91.4% | +3.7% | 3,629 |
| 2020 | Plug-in Hybrid | 91.1% | +3.5% | 563 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 89.6% | +1.9% | 577 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 88.4% | +0.8% | 968 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 91.8% | +5.6% | 779 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 88.9% | +2.7% | 5,246 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 87.9% | +1.7% | 4,774 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 90.4% | +6.1% | 840 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 88.9% | +4.6% | 3,189 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 88.5% | +4.3% | 6,795 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 85.7% | +4.0% | 1,315 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 83.7% | +2.0% | 13,295 |
XC60 verdict: The 2020 hybrid electric model achieves an excellent 91.4% pass rate.
Volvo V40: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The V40 has 99,897 tests in our database with an overall 73.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Petrol | 86.5% | +0.2% | 6,475 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 82.9% | -3.3% | 1,845 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 82.1% | -2.1% | 9,591 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 79.7% | -4.5% | 3,388 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 79.7% | -2.0% | 7,433 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 77.4% | -4.3% | 6,147 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 74.9% | -3.7% | 5,736 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 74.3% | -4.4% | 9,686 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 70.7% | -4.8% | 2,481 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 70.2% | -5.3% | 13,188 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 77.8% | +6.1% | 1,116 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 68.4% | -3.3% | 15,175 |
| ... | ||||
| 2004 | Petrol | 45.2% | -10.8% | 639 |
| 2004 | Diesel | 44.1% | -11.9% | 340 |
| 2003 | Petrol | 48.8% | -7.8% | 815 |
V40 verdict: Avoid the 2004 petrol (45.2%).
Avoid early V40 models
The 2004 petrol V40 has a 45.2% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Volvo XC90: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The XC90 has 66,528 tests in our database with an overall 72.1% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Plug-in Hybrid | 88.5% | +0.8% | 1,119 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 88.4% | +0.8% | 544 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 87.4% | -0.3% | 278 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 87.1% | -0.6% | 1,885 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 86.9% | +0.7% | 1,399 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 85.8% | -0.4% | 4,001 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 85.3% | -0.9% | 1,628 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 88.1% | +3.9% | 1,050 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 85.7% | +1.4% | 4,639 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 84.4% | +0.2% | 604 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 83.6% | +1.9% | 3,740 |
| 2017 | Hybrid Electric | 83.0% | +1.3% | 1,549 |
| ... | ||||
| 2008 | Diesel | 59.4% | +2.0% | 1,635 |
| 2007 | Petrol | 57.7% | +0.7% | 241 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 57.1% | +0.2% | 2,595 |
XC90 verdict: Avoid the 2008 diesel (59.4%).
Avoid early XC90 models
The 2008 diesel XC90 has a 59.4% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Volvo XC40: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The XC40 has 46,378 tests in our database with an overall 90.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Petrol | 90.5% | -0.3% | 455 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 91.6% | +3.9% | 7,650 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 90.0% | +2.3% | 2,845 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 89.9% | +2.2% | 13,596 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 90.3% | +4.1% | 9,684 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 88.7% | +2.5% | 5,535 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 90.6% | +6.3% | 3,479 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 89.9% | +5.7% | 3,134 |
XC40 verdict: The 2021 petrol model achieves an excellent 90.5% pass rate.
Volvo Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Volvo's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 88.9% | +17.4% | 20,797 |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 86.1% | +14.6% | 2,389 |
| Petrol | 74.7% | +3.2% | 137,962 |
| Diesel | 71.3% | -0.2% | 381,161 |
The hybrid advantage: Volvo hybrids pass MOTs 14% more often than petrols and 18% more often than diesels.
Volvo Models to Avoid
Not all Volvos are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V40 | 2004 | Petrol | 45.2% (-14.6% vs same-age) | 639 |
| S40 | 2003 | Petrol | 48.1% (-11.8% vs same-age) | 640 |
| V40 | 2003 | Petrol | 48.8% (-11.0% vs same-age) | 815 |
| V50 | 2011 | Diesel | 56.2% (-10.4% vs same-age) | 4,186 |
| S40 | 2011 | Diesel | 56.2% (-10.4% vs same-age) | 1,257 |
| V50 | 2012 | Diesel | 59.0% (-9.5% vs same-age) | 3,066 |
| V90 MOMENTUM + T4 AUTO | 2020 | Petrol | 81.0% | 527 |
| V40 | 2002 | Petrol | 50.9% (-8.9% vs same-age) | 597 |
| V70 | 2001 | Petrol | 52.4% | 1,788 |
| S40 | 2012 | Diesel | 59.4% (-9.4% vs same-age) | 1,020 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2002-2004 petrol V40s, 2003-2012 petrol/diesel S40s, 2011-2012 diesel V50s are the models that drag down Volvo's average. The V40 2004 performs 12% worse than the average car of the same age at 13+ years - this is proven poor durability. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Volvos?
When Volvos fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 52,099 |
| 2. Suspension | 43,503 |
| 3. Tyres | 38,714 |
| 4. Brakes | 38,214 |
| 5. Visibility | 17,887 |
| 6. Body, chassis, structure | 14,855 |
| 7. Noise, emissions and leaks | 11,051 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Volvo owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- Limited data for recent models
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- S80 2007-2008: +11% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- XC70 2008-2011: +10% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- XC60 2009-2012: +10% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- V70 2008-2012: +9% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Volvo Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- V40 2002-2004: -9% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
- S40 2003-2011: -7% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
- V50 2005-2011: -7% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 11-12 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 556,785 tests on Volvo vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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