1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Volvo 900 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

528 MOT tests in 2024. 62.7% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time62.7%
Failed or needed repairs37.3%
Typical mileage at test148,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 528 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.6%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.5%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.2%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  6. Stop lamp: not working2.8%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.7%
  8. Horn: not working2.5%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.5%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value2.5%
    29 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics28.4%
  2. Brakes19.7%
  3. Emissions & leaks15.7%
  4. Body & chassis15.0%
  5. Suspension11.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.0%
  7. Tyres5.5%
  8. Steering5.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.5%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases12.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.8%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.2%

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: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. 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 900 Series?

In 2024, 62.7% of 1996 Volvo 900 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 528 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Volvo 900 Series?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; position lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Volvo 900 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 95, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).