1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Volvo 800 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

827 MOT tests in 2024. 60.9% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

92Below average
Passed first time60.9%
Failed or needed repairs39.1%
Typical mileage at test145,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 827 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.0%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.8%
  3. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault4.6%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%
  5. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side3.5%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.9%
  8. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.3%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.9%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes23.9%
  2. Lights & electrics23.0%
  3. Suspension13.9%
  4. Emissions & leaks12.0%
  5. Body & chassis9.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.1%
  7. Tyres5.2%
  8. Steering4.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.4%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.7%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.7%

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Volvo 800 Series?

In 2024, 60.9% of 1996 Volvo 800 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 827 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Volvo 800 Series?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1996 Volvo 800 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).