1993 · 31 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1993 Volvo 900 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

269 MOT tests in 2024. 64.7% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time64.7%
Failed or needed repairs35.3%
Typical mileage at test146,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 269 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.7%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.3%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.3%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.0%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.0%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.6%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.6%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.9%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.4%
  2. Emissions & leaks18.2%
  3. Brakes16.0%
  4. Body & chassis9.7%
  5. Suspension8.2%
  6. Steering5.2%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.5%
  8. Tyres2.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.7%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases12.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.0%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible9.3%

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: track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. 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 1993 Volvo 900 Series?

In 2024, 64.7% of 1993 Volvo 900 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 269 tests. The average for all 31-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1993 Volvo 900 Series?

The most common failure reasons were track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1993 Volvo 900 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).