Volvo 400 Series MOT Check
MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the Volvo 400 Series. Check any 400 Series by registration number below.
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65.6%
Avg Pass Rate
-22.2%
vs Volvo Avg
9
Year Ranges
Average
Reliability
Volvo 400 Series — MOT Reliability Overview
The Volvo 400 Series has an average MOT pass rate of 65.6%, which is 22.2 percentage points below the Volvo brand average of 87.7%. This is a reasonable result that reflects typical UK reliability standards. Regular servicing and addressing advisories promptly will help keep your 400 Series on the road.
The most common reasons a Volvo 400 Series fails its MOT are the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle., a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning. If you are preparing your 400 Series for its MOT, checking these areas first could save you a retest fee. Our detailed fault analysis includes estimated repair costs for each failure type.
Before buying a used Volvo 400 Series, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.
MOT Pass Rate by Year
How the Volvo 400 Series performs at MOT across different model years.
1996
Based on 100 vehicles
5.6%
12.5%
1995
Based on 405 vehicles
3.9%
18.9%
1994
Based on 256 vehicles
2.9%
27.5%
1993
Based on 254 vehicles
5.5%
25.7%
1992
Based on 177 vehicles
2.4%
30.9%
1991
Based on 102 vehicles
4.1%
25.7%
1990
Based on 80 vehicles
3.2%
19.4%
1989
Based on 43 vehicles
3.7%
29.6%
0
Based on 577 vehicles
77k mi
Top MOT Failures — Volvo 400 Series
The most common reasons a Volvo 400 Series fails its MOT, aggregated across all year ranges.
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
Brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle.
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits
Where Failures Occur
The areas of the vehicle most commonly flagged during MOT inspections.
Front Nearside
Front Offside
Rear Offside
Other Volvo Models
Compare MOT reliability across Volvo models.
Volvo 400 Series — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Volvo 400 Series MOT and reliability.
What is the MOT pass rate for the Volvo 400 Series?
What are the most common MOT failures on a Volvo 400 Series?
Is the Volvo 400 Series reliable?
How do I check the MOT history of a Volvo 400 Series?
What mileage should I expect on a Volvo 400 Series?
Check Your Volvo 400 Series's MOT History
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