1994 · 30 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1994 Volvo 800 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

188 MOT tests in 2024. 66.0% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

98Below average
Passed first time66.0%
Failed or needed repairs34.0%
Typical mileage at test131,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 188 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.9%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.3%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.7%
  4. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.2%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.2%
  6. Position lamp: not working3.2%
  7. Side repeaters: not working2.7%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.7%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.1%
  10. Rear fog lamp: not working2.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics23.4%
  2. Brakes19.1%
  3. Suspension12.2%
  4. Body & chassis11.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.0%
  7. Tyres4.8%
  8. Steering4.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.4%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.4%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.8%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)10.6%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 800 Series years1995 800 Series →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 Volvo 800 Series?

In 2024, 66.0% of 1994 Volvo 800 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 188 tests. The average for all 30-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1994 Volvo 800 Series?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1994 Volvo 800 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).