2021 · 3 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2021 Volvo XC40 MOT pass rate and common faults

25,229 MOT tests in 2024. 90.9% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time90.9%
Failed or needed repairs9.1%
Typical mileage at test25,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 25,229 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.0%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    780 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
    572 marked dangerous
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.8%
    282 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.3%
    105 marked dangerous
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.2%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres4.9%
  2. Brakes2.2%
  3. Lights & electrics1.4%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.3%
  5. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  6. Body & chassis0.2%
  7. Suspension0.2%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.5%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.0%
  3. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt3.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.9%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 XC40All XC40 years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Volvo XC40?

In 2024, 90.9% of 2021 Volvo XC40 cars passed their MOT first time, across 25,229 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Volvo XC40?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 Volvo XC40 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).