Volvo XC70 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 18,080 MOT tests on the Volvo XC70 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 XC70s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2002 to 2016. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2008 models did best (68% passed, +10.8 points against the average for 15-year-old cars), while 2003 models fared worst (53%, −3.6 points). Tested cars had covered 119,717 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 13.5% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 6.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 18,080
- First-time pass rate
- 69%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −2.9 points
- Average mileage at test
- 119,717
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular XC70?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
XC70 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 | 1,024 | 80% | 79% | +1.1 points | 69,086 |
| 2015 | 1,616 | 80% | 75% | +4.3 points | 79,495 |
| 2014 | 1,729 | 77% | 72% | +5.4 points | 89,142 |
| 2013 | 1,562 | 76% | 68% | +7.3 points | 99,911 |
| 2012 | 1,347 | 71% | 66% | +5.4 points | 108,253 |
| 2011 | 1,833 | 71% | 63% | +8.2 points | 117,465 |
| 2010 | 1,436 | 68% | 60% | +7.8 points | 128,504 |
| 2009 | 1,041 | 69% | 59% | +9.7 points | 130,058 |
| 2008 | 1,027 | 68% | 57% | +10.8 points | 138,501 |
| 2007 | 1,359 | 59% | 57% | +2.2 points | 141,579 |
| 2006 | 1,267 | 56% | 56% | +0.0 points | 146,693 |
| 2005 | 1,375 | 58% | 56% | +1.9 points | 158,057 |
| 2004 | 827 | 55% | 56% | −1.2 points | 163,075 |
| 2003 | 513 | 53% | 57% | −3.6 points | 161,067 |
| 2002 | 101 | 60% | 58% | +2.9 points | 159,589 |
Why the Volvo XC70 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | XC70 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 13.5% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 10.7% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 8.1% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 6.1% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 4.1% | 1.8% |
| Visibility | 3.8% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 2.6% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.2% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working6.1%
- 2fractured or broken4.2%
- 3ball joint excessively worn2.5%
- 4less than 1.5 mm thick2.4%
- 5projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.3%
- 6pin or bush excessively worn2.3%
- 7ball joint has excessive play2.3%
- 8efficiency below requirements1.9%
- 9tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
- 10has ply or cords exposed1.8%
Common XC70 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used XC70, 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 | 16.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 11.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.0% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.3% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.3% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.0% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 3.9% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.7% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 3.6% |
Tips to help your XC70 pass
Based on where XC70s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 13.5% of XC70 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 · 8.1% of XC70 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 XC70 ULEZ compliant? See the Volvo XC70 ULEZ check, or view all Volvo models.
Other Volvo models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 18,080 first MOT tests of the Volvo XC70 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 18,080 first MOT tests of the Volvo XC70.
What is the Volvo XC70 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 31% of 18,080 first MOT attempts on the Volvo XC70 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volvo XC70 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (13.5% of tests), suspension (10.7% of tests), brakes (8.1% of tests).
Which XC70 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2008 cars performed best: 68% passed first time, +10.8 points against the average for 15-year-old cars. The weakest was 2003, at 53% (−3.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Volvo XC70 covered at its MOT?
The average was 119,717 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2016 cars averaged 69,086 miles and 2002 cars 159,589.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volvo XC70?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.5% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.1% of XC70s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific XC70's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 18,080 XC70s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 53% to 80% 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 · 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
Check any XC70's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.