Volvo S80 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 7,814 MOT tests on the Volvo S80 carried out in 2023. 31% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 S80s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1999 to 2016. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2008 models did best (71% passed, +13.2 points against the average for 15-year-old cars), while 2001 models fared worst (58%, −0.3 points). Tested cars had covered 122,252 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 15.2% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 7.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 7,814
- First-time pass rate
- 69%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −2.8 points
- Average mileage at test
- 122,252
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular S80?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
S80 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 174 | 86% | 79% | +7.6 points | 72,937 |
| 2015 | 399 | 82% | 75% | +6.7 points | 79,105 |
| 2014 | 395 | 79% | 72% | +7.3 points | 89,756 |
| 2013 | 428 | 76% | 68% | +7.9 points | 97,362 |
| 2012 | 359 | 77% | 66% | +11.0 points | 110,273 |
| 2011 | 428 | 74% | 63% | +10.8 points | 123,255 |
| 2010 | 612 | 72% | 60% | +11.9 points | 125,410 |
| 2009 | 490 | 69% | 59% | +9.6 points | 127,273 |
| 2008 | 714 | 71% | 57% | +13.2 points | 133,100 |
| 2007 | 849 | 67% | 57% | +10.0 points | 134,877 |
| 2006 | 434 | 63% | 56% | +6.7 points | 138,012 |
| 2005 | 509 | 61% | 56% | +4.3 points | 139,985 |
| 2004 | 514 | 61% | 56% | +4.9 points | 135,098 |
| 2003 | 506 | 60% | 57% | +3.0 points | 131,070 |
| 2002 | 443 | 60% | 58% | +2.1 points | 129,713 |
| 2001 | 283 | 58% | 59% | −0.3 points | 125,066 |
| 2000 | 151 | 67% | 61% | +6.3 points | 122,118 |
| 1999 | 111 | 62% | 62% | −0.3 points | 119,290 |
Why the Volvo S80 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | S80 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 15.2% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 7.7% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 7.6% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 6.0% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.7% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.6% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 3.5% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.9% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.2% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working7.5%
- 2ball joint excessively worn2.3%
- 3less than 1.5 mm thick2.0%
- 4too low2.0%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
- 6ball joint has excessive play2.0%
- 7ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.9%
- 8pin or bush excessively worn1.9%
- 9has ply or cords exposed1.9%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%
Common S80 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used S80, 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 | 16.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 11.2% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.0% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 7.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.3% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.7% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.6% |
| system insecure | Body and structure | 4.0% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 3.9% |
Tips to help your S80 pass
Based on where S80s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 15.2% of S80 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 · 7.7% of S80 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 S80 ULEZ compliant? See the Volvo S80 ULEZ check, or view all Volvo models.
Other Volvo models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 7,814 first MOT tests of the Volvo S80 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 7,814 first MOT tests of the Volvo S80.
What is the Volvo S80 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 31% of 7,814 first MOT attempts on the Volvo S80 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volvo S80 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (15.2% of tests), brakes (7.7% of tests), suspension (7.6% of tests).
Which S80 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2008 cars performed best: 71% passed first time, +13.2 points against the average for 15-year-old cars. The weakest was 2001, at 58% (−0.3 points).
How many miles had a typical Volvo S80 covered at its MOT?
The average was 122,252 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2016 cars averaged 72,937 miles and 1999 cars 119,290.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volvo S80?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.0% of S80s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific S80's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 7,814 S80s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 58% to 86% 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 · 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
Check any S80's MOT history
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