1992 · 32 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1992 Volvo 900 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

282 MOT tests in 2024. 57.5% passed first time, compared with 68.8% for all cars the same age.

84Well below average
Passed first time57.5%
Failed or needed repairs42.5%
Typical mileage at test146,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 282 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases8.5%
  2. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed4.6%
  3. Position lamp: not working4.3%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.3%
  5. Stop lamp: not working3.5%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.2%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.5%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value2.5%
    15 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics29.8%
  2. Brakes23.8%
  3. Body & chassis18.1%
  4. Emissions & leaks17.0%
  5. Suspension15.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.0%
  7. Steering4.6%
  8. Tyres3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine24.1%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases14.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.4%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened9.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1992 Volvo 900 Series?

In 2024, 57.5% of 1992 Volvo 900 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 282 tests. The average for all 32-year-old cars was 68.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1992 Volvo 900 Series?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; emissions not tested: unable to be completed; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1992 Volvo 900 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 84, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).