Most Reliable Volvo Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 570,008 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Volvo models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
570,008 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Volvo model from 1992-2023
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
73.0% vs 71.4%
+1.5% above average
Proven Durability Champion
XC60
+11.1% at 15-17 years
Volvo sits near the middle of UK manufacturer rankings. We analysed 570,008 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to identify which Volvo models outperform the brand average and which to avoid.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Volvo models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Volvo Compares to Rivals
Volvo ranks #122 out of 180 manufacturers with a 73.0% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus | 83.1% | #66 | 159,314 |
| Bmw | 78.3% | #92 | 1,841,164 |
| Jaguar | 78.2% | #93 | 351,545 |
| Audi | 77.8% | #96 | 1,670,675 |
| Mercedes-Benz | 76.8% | #100 | 1,697,161 |
| Land Rover | 76.4% | #104 | 924,647 |
| Volvo | 73.0% | #122 | 570,008 |
The verdict: Lexus maintains a lead among competitors, while Volvo sits at #122.
Best Volvo Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Volvo's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC40 | 90.2% | +18.8% | 47,465 | 2017-2023 |
| S90 | 87.9% | +16.5% | 7,520 | 1997-2022 |
| V90 | 85.3% | +13.8% | 14,500 | 1996-2023 |
| XC60 | 80.2% | +8.7% | 104,160 | 2006-2023 |
| V40 | 73.3% | +1.8% | 100,495 | 1996-2020 |
| XC90 | 72.4% | +1.0% | 68,456 | 2003-2023 |
| S60 | 71.5% | +0.1% | 21,487 | 2000-2021 |
| S80 | 68.6% | -2.8% | 7,814 | 1998-2016 |
| XC70 | 68.5% | -2.9% | 18,080 | 2000-2018 |
| V70 | 63.8% | -7.7% | 45,092 | 1996-2021 |
* Compared to overall 71.4% national average across all years. For year-adjusted comparisons that account for newer cars passing more often, see individual model breakdowns below.
Top performer
The XC40 achieves a 90.2% pass rate, 19 percentage points above the national average.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Volvo Models Age Best?
Here's how Volvo models have performed over 11+ years of real-world MOT testing, compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 100+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XC60 | - | All | +11.1% | 15-17 years | 68.9% |
| S80 | - | All | +10.7% | 15-17 years | 68.6% |
| S80 | - | All | +9.8% | 11-14 years | 74.4% |
| V70 | - | All | +7.7% | 11-14 years | 72.3% |
| S60 | - | All | +7.6% | 11-14 years | 72.2% |
| XC70 | - | All | +7.0% | 11-14 years | 71.6% |
| XC70 | - | All | +6.9% | 15-17 years | 64.8% |
| V70 | - | All | +6.7% | 15-17 years | 64.5% |
| XC60 | - | All | +6.0% | 11-14 years | 70.7% |
| V60 | - | All | +6.0% | 11-14 years | 70.7% |
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 - too early to assess long-term reliability. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S80 | - | All | +6.2% | 8-10 years | 81.6% |
| XC40 | - | All | +5.4% | 3-7 years | 90.2% |
| V70 | - | All | +5.3% | 8-10 years | 80.7% |
| S90 | - | All | +3.5% | 3-7 years | 88.3% |
| XC70 | - | All | +3.3% | 8-10 years | 78.7% |
| S60 | - | All | +2.9% | 8-10 years | 78.3% |
| XC90 | - | All | +2.8% | 8-10 years | 78.2% |
| XC60 | - | All | +2.8% | 3-7 years | 87.5% |
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 104,160 tests in our database with an overall 80.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 91.4% | +3.7% | 4,030 |
| 2020 | Plug-in Hybrid | 90.9% | +3.2% | 1,405 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.2% | +2.6% | 1,085 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 89.5% | +1.8% | 1,596 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 91.2% | +5.0% | 937 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 89.0% | +2.8% | 5,420 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.0% | +1.8% | 4,970 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 90.4% | +6.1% | 840 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 88.9% | +4.7% | 3,192 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 88.5% | +4.3% | 6,797 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 85.7% | +4.0% | 1,315 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 83.7% | +2.0% | 13,295 |
XC60 verdict: The 2020 hybrid electric model achieves a 91.4% pass rate (20 points above average).
Volvo V40: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The V40 has 100,495 tests in our database with an overall 73.3% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Petrol | 86.5% | +0.2% | 6,475 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 82.8% | -3.4% | 1,846 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 82.1% | -2.1% | 9,593 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 79.7% | -4.5% | 3,389 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 79.7% | -2.0% | 7,435 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 77.4% | -4.2% | 6,149 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 74.9% | -3.7% | 5,737 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 74.3% | -4.3% | 9,688 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 70.7% | -4.7% | 2,481 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 70.2% | -5.3% | 13,194 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 77.8% | +6.1% | 1,116 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 68.4% | -3.3% | 15,176 |
| ... | ||||
| 2004 | Petrol | 45.2% | -10.8% | 639 |
| 2003 | Petrol | 48.8% | -7.8% | 815 |
| 2002 | Petrol | 50.9% | -6.6% | 597 |
V40 verdict: Avoid the 2004 petrol (45.2%).
Avoid 2001-2004 V40s
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 68,456 tests in our database with an overall 72.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 88.3% | +0.6% | 760 |
| 2020 | Plug-in Hybrid | 88.2% | +0.6% | 1,392 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 86.7% | -1.0% | 2,284 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 86.5% | -1.2% | 562 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 86.9% | +0.7% | 1,399 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 85.7% | -0.5% | 4,065 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 85.2% | -1.0% | 1,801 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 88.1% | +3.9% | 1,050 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 85.7% | +1.5% | 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 | Diesel | 57.1% | +0.1% | 2,597 |
| 2006 | Diesel | 56.8% | +0.6% | 2,554 |
XC90 verdict: Avoid the 2008 diesel (59.4%).
Avoid 2003-2008 XC90s
The 2008 diesel XC90 has a 59.4% pass rate, well below the national average.
Volvo XC40: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The XC40 has 47,465 tests in our database with an overall 90.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 91.6% | +4.0% | 8,117 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 90.0% | +2.3% | 2,846 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 89.8% | +2.1% | 13,701 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 90.3% | +4.1% | 9,686 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 88.7% | +2.5% | 5,535 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 90.6% | +6.3% | 3,480 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 89.9% | +5.7% | 3,134 |
XC40 verdict: The 2020 hybrid electric model achieves a 91.6% pass rate (20 points above average).
Volvo V70: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The V70 has 45,092 tests in our database with an overall 63.8% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Diesel | 83.0% | +4.4% | 755 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 82.3% | +6.9% | 2,010 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 78.3% | +6.6% | 1,969 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 75.7% | +7.4% | 1,707 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 73.3% | +7.7% | 1,538 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 70.7% | +7.7% | 2,033 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 70.3% | +9.8% | 2,751 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 64.2% | +5.2% | 3,613 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 67.1% | +9.7% | 3,219 |
| 2007 | Petrol | 63.1% | +6.2% | 537 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 60.5% | +3.6% | 2,392 |
| 2006 | Diesel | 59.0% | +2.8% | 1,966 |
| ... | ||||
| 2006 | Diesel | 59.0% | +2.8% | 1,966 |
| 2006 | Petrol | 58.4% | +2.2% | 934 |
| 2005 | Diesel | 59.5% | +3.2% | 2,246 |
V70 verdict: Avoid the 2006 diesel (59.0%).
Avoid 1998-2006 V70s
The 2006 diesel V70 has a 59.0% pass rate, well below the national average.
Volvo Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Reliability varies by fuel type for Volvo. Here's how each performs:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 89.0% | +17.5% | 24,642 |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 87.4% | +15.9% | 3,916 |
| Electric | 80.0% | +8.6% | 30 |
| Gas Bi-fuel | 74.1% | +2.6% | 27 |
| Petrol | 74.0% | +2.5% | 155,390 |
| Diesel | 71.4% | -0.0% | 385,806 |
The hybrid advantage: Volvo hybrids pass MOTs 15% 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% | 639 |
| S40 | 2003 | Petrol | 48.1% | 640 |
| V40 | 2003 | Petrol | 48.8% | 815 |
| V50 | 2011 | Diesel | 56.2% | 4,186 |
| S40 | 2011 | Diesel | 56.2% | 1,257 |
| V50 | 2012 | Diesel | 59.0% | 3,066 |
| V40 | 2002 | Petrol | 50.9% | 597 |
| V70 | 2001 | Petrol | 52.4% | 1,788 |
| S40 | 2012 | Diesel | 59.4% | 1,020 |
| V50 | 2005 | Diesel | 50.0% | 1,457 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2002-2004 petrol V40s, 2003-2012 petrol/diesel S40s, 2005-2012 diesel V50s are the models that drag down Volvo's average. The V40 performs 11% worse than the average car of the same age at 18-20 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 | 55,010 |
| 2. Suspension | 45,309 |
| 3. Brakes | 40,507 |
| 4. Tyres | 40,213 |
| 5. Visibility | 19,091 |
| 6. Body, chassis, structure | 16,260 |
| 7. Noise, emissions and leaks | 12,192 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Volvo owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- 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
- XC40 INSCRIPTION B4 MHEV AUTO 2020 Hybrid Electric: 93% pass rate
- XC40 INSCRIPTION PRO B4 MHEV A 2020 Hybrid Electric: 93% pass rate
- XC60 2019 Hybrid Electric: 91% pass rate
- XC40 INSCRIPT PRO T5 RCHARGE A 2020 Hybrid Electric: 92% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- XC60 (15-17 years): +9% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- S80 (15-17 years): +9% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- V70 (11-14 years): +5% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- S60 (11-14 years): +4% 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 (18-20 years): -11% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 18-20 years)
- XC90 (21+ years): -8% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 21+ years)
- V50 (11-14 years): -6% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
- S40 (21+ years): -7% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 21+ years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 570,008 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: 100 tests for proven durability rankings, 100 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.44% based on 32,300,000 tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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