Volvo S60 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 21,487 MOT tests on the Volvo S60 carried out in 2023. 29% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 S60s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2001 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (75% passed, +14.6 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 2001 models fared worst (55%, −3.2 points). Tested cars had covered 99,726 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 11.9% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 4.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 21,487
- First-time pass rate
- 72%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +0.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 99,726
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular S60?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
S60 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,100 | 90% | 88% | +2.1 points | 25,350 |
| 2019 | 1,142 | 89% | 86% | +3.2 points | 30,218 |
| 2018 | 895 | 84% | 84% | −0.5 points | 46,038 |
| 2017 | 1,079 | 82% | 82% | +0.3 points | 61,071 |
| 2016 | 1,197 | 79% | 79% | +0.7 points | 76,207 |
| 2015 | 1,276 | 79% | 75% | +3.5 points | 88,403 |
| 2014 | 1,462 | 77% | 72% | +5.1 points | 99,867 |
| 2013 | 1,457 | 74% | 68% | +6.0 points | 103,523 |
| 2012 | 1,836 | 69% | 66% | +3.4 points | 108,754 |
| 2011 | 1,935 | 73% | 63% | +9.7 points | 112,399 |
| 2010 | 670 | 75% | 60% | +14.6 points | 113,272 |
| 2009 | 60 | 62% | 59% | +2.7 points | 127,326 |
| 2008 | 373 | 62% | 57% | +4.3 points | 120,460 |
| 2007 | 692 | 59% | 57% | +2.0 points | 128,566 |
| 2006 | 1,142 | 59% | 56% | +3.0 points | 124,503 |
| 2005 | 1,526 | 61% | 56% | +5.1 points | 134,551 |
| 2004 | 1,334 | 58% | 56% | +1.7 points | 139,394 |
| 2003 | 1,106 | 56% | 57% | −0.9 points | 135,581 |
| 2002 | 818 | 59% | 58% | +1.8 points | 133,056 |
| 2001 | 348 | 55% | 59% | −3.2 points | 125,020 |
Why the Volvo S60 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | S60 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 11.9% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 9.2% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 7.4% | 6.3% |
| Suspension | 5.9% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 3.6% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 2.8% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 2.5% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.0% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working4.9%
- 2less than 1.5 mm thick2.8%
- 3projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.6%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
- 5efficiency below requirements2.3%
- 6has ply or cords exposed2.1%
- 7ball joint excessively worn1.9%
- 8not working on dipped beam1.7%
- 9ball joint has excessive play1.5%
- 10does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%
Common S60 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used S60, 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 | 17.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.7% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.8% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 6.0% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.1% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.2% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.1% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.8% |
Tips to help your S60 pass
Based on where S60s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 11.9% of S60 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 · 9.2% of S60 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 S60 ULEZ compliant? See the Volvo S60 ULEZ check, or view all Volvo models.
Other Volvo models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 21,487 first MOT tests of the Volvo S60 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 21,487 first MOT tests of the Volvo S60.
What is the Volvo S60 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 29% of 21,487 first MOT attempts on the Volvo S60 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volvo S60 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (11.9% of tests), brakes (9.2% of tests), tyres (7.4% of tests).
Which S60 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 75% passed first time, +14.6 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 2001, at 55% (−3.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Volvo S60 covered at its MOT?
The average was 99,726 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 25,350 miles and 2001 cars 125,020.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volvo S60?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 17.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.4% of S60s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific S60's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 21,487 S60s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 55% to 90% 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 readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.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 S60's MOT history
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