Volvo C30 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 24,499 MOT tests on the Volvo C30 carried out in 2023. 41% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 C30s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2006 to 2013. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2012 models did best (66% passed, +0.5 points against the average for 11-year-old cars), while 2006 models fared worst (52%, −4.1 points). Tested cars had covered 98,733 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 18.7% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 8.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 24,499
- First-time pass rate
- 59%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −12.4 points
- Average mileage at test
- 98,733
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular C30?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
C30 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1,000 | 68% | 68% | +0.0 points | 75,818 |
| 2012 | 2,978 | 66% | 66% | +0.5 points | 83,847 |
| 2011 | 3,333 | 61% | 63% | −2.5 points | 96,276 |
| 2010 | 5,457 | 59% | 60% | −1.4 points | 100,652 |
| 2009 | 5,623 | 57% | 59% | −1.9 points | 100,379 |
| 2008 | 3,504 | 54% | 57% | −3.1 points | 109,562 |
| 2007 | 2,478 | 57% | 57% | −0.4 points | 105,217 |
| 2006 | 123 | 52% | 56% | −4.1 points | 113,192 |
Why the Volvo C30 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | C30 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 18.7% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 15.9% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 9.5% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 8.8% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 6.7% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 6.0% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.6% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 2.9% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.0% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working8.4%
- 2fractured or broken5.0%
- 3pin or bush excessively worn4.5%
- 4constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.1%
- 5inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.5%
- 6has ply or cords exposed3.3%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
- 8ball joint excessively worn3.1%
- 9less than 1.5 mm thick2.5%
- 10not working on dipped beam2.4%
Common C30 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used C30, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 21.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 12.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.5% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 8.0% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.1% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.9% |
| incorrect colour | Lights and electrics | 3.7% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 3.3% |
Tips to help your C30 pass
Based on where C30s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 18.7% of C30 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 8.8% of C30 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the C30 ULEZ compliant? See the Volvo C30 ULEZ check, or view all Volvo models.
Other Volvo models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 24,499 first MOT tests of the Volvo C30 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 24,499 first MOT tests of the Volvo C30.
What is the Volvo C30 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 41% of 24,499 first MOT attempts on the Volvo C30 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volvo C30 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (18.7% of tests), suspension (15.9% of tests), tyres (9.5% of tests).
Which C30 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2012 cars performed best: 66% passed first time, +0.5 points against the average for 11-year-old cars. The weakest was 2006, at 52% (−4.1 points).
How many miles had a typical Volvo C30 covered at its MOT?
The average was 98,733 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2013 cars averaged 75,818 miles and 2006 cars 113,192.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volvo C30?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 21.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 9.5% of C30s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific C30's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 24,499 C30s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 52% to 68% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any C30's MOT history
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