Volvo S90 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 7,520 MOT tests on the Volvo S90 carried out in 2023. 12% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 S90s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1997 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 1997 models did best (79% passed, +14.5 points against the average for 26-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (88%, +1.4 points). Tested cars had covered 49,920 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 5.7% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "less than 1.5 mm thick", on 3.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 7,520
- First-time pass rate
- 88%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +16.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 49,920
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular S90?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
S90 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 | 1,051 | 89% | 88% | +1.5 points | 29,566 |
| 2019 | 2,169 | 88% | 86% | +1.4 points | 41,276 |
| 2018 | 2,526 | 89% | 84% | +4.4 points | 54,461 |
| 2017 | 1,390 | 88% | 82% | +6.6 points | 63,200 |
| 2016 | 288 | 82% | 79% | +3.3 points | 67,572 |
| 1997 | 62 | 79% | 64% | +14.5 points | 121,050 |
Why the Volvo S90 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | S90 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 5.7% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 3.8% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 1.4% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 0.9% | 4.8% |
| Suspension | 0.9% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 0.5% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 0.4% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.3% | 3.1% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.1% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1less than 1.5 mm thick3.3%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
- 3has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
- 4has ply or cords exposed1.1%
- 5has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
- 6does not clear the windscreen effectively0.5%
- 7too low0.4%
- 8too high0.3%
- 9fractured or broken0.3%
- 10constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.3%
Common S90 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used S90, 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 | 13.8% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 13.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.8% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 2.5% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 2.1% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 2.1% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.1% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.8% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 0.9% |
Tips to help your S90 pass
Based on where S90s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 3.8% of S90 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.
Lights and electrics · 1.4% of S90 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.
Visibility · 0.9% of S90 tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the S90 ULEZ compliant? See the Volvo S90 ULEZ check, or view all Volvo models.
Other Volvo models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 7,520 first MOT tests of the Volvo S90 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 7,520 first MOT tests of the Volvo S90.
What is the Volvo S90 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 12% of 7,520 first MOT attempts on the Volvo S90 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volvo S90 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (5.7% of tests), brakes (3.8% of tests), lights and electrics (1.4% of tests).
Which S90 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 1997 cars performed best: 79% passed first time, +14.5 points against the average for 26-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 88% (+1.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Volvo S90 covered at its MOT?
The average was 49,920 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 29,566 miles and 1997 cars 121,050.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volvo S90?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 13.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.7% of S90s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific S90's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 7,520 S90s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 79% to 89% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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
- 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 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
Check any S90's MOT history
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