Volvo V50 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 33,780 MOT tests on the Volvo V50 carried out in 2023. 45% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 5 in 10 V50s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2004 to 2012. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2006 models did best (55% passed, −1.0 points against the average for 17-year-old cars), while 2011 models fared worst (57%, −6.3 points). Tested cars had covered 127,563 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 20.3% of tests (well above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 8.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 33,780
- First-time pass rate
- 55%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −16.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 127,563
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular V50?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
V50 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 3,220 | 60% | 66% | −5.8 points | 111,490 |
| 2011 | 4,439 | 57% | 63% | −6.3 points | 122,098 |
| 2010 | 5,050 | 56% | 60% | −4.7 points | 122,048 |
| 2009 | 5,086 | 54% | 59% | −5.4 points | 123,127 |
| 2008 | 5,961 | 53% | 57% | −4.8 points | 132,317 |
| 2007 | 3,268 | 55% | 57% | −2.1 points | 136,906 |
| 2006 | 3,251 | 55% | 56% | −1.0 points | 139,221 |
| 2005 | 2,471 | 51% | 56% | −4.8 points | 137,770 |
| 2004 | 1,027 | 53% | 56% | −2.7 points | 132,182 |
Why the Volvo V50 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | V50 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 20.3% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 18.5% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 10.8% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 10.1% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 9.1% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 5.8% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.8% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 4.0% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.4% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.6% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working8.8%
- 2fractured or broken7.0%
- 3constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.3%
- 4pin or bush excessively worn4.4%
- 5has ply or cords exposed4.3%
- 6ball joint excessively worn4.1%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.2%
- 8not working on dipped beam2.6%
- 9too low2.6%
- 10efficiency below requirements2.5%
Common V50 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used V50, 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 | 23.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 12.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.0% |
| 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 | 6.5% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 6.0% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 4.6% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.8% |
Tips to help your V50 pass
Based on where V50s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 18.5% of V50 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 · 10.1% of V50 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 V50 ULEZ compliant? See the Volvo V50 ULEZ check, or view all Volvo models.
Other Volvo models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 33,780 first MOT tests of the Volvo V50 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 33,780 first MOT tests of the Volvo V50.
What is the Volvo V50 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 45% of 33,780 first MOT attempts on the Volvo V50 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volvo V50 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (20.3% of tests), lights and electrics (18.5% of tests), tyres (10.8% of tests).
Which V50 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2006 cars performed best: 55% passed first time, −1.0 points against the average for 17-year-old cars. The weakest was 2011, at 57% (−6.3 points).
How many miles had a typical Volvo V50 covered at its MOT?
The average was 127,563 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2012 cars averaged 111,490 miles and 2004 cars 132,182.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volvo V50?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 23.7% of tests, in the tyres area. 10.8% of V50s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific V50's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 33,780 V50s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 51% to 60% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 · 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 · 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 V50's MOT history
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