1994 · 30 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1994 Volvo 900 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

279 MOT tests in 2024. 51.6% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

76Well below average
Passed first time51.6%
Failed or needed repairs48.4%
Typical mileage at test157,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 279 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases8.6%
  2. Position lamp: not working8.2%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.5%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.4%
  5. Stop lamp: not working4.7%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.3%
  7. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.6%
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.6%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.2%
    23 marked dangerous
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics36.9%
  2. Emissions & leaks22.6%
  3. Body & chassis20.1%
  4. Brakes17.9%
  5. Suspension16.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)13.3%
  7. Tyres7.9%
  8. Steering7.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine23.3%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases15.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.1%

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.

← 1993 900 SeriesAll 900 Series years1995 900 Series →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 Volvo 900 Series?

In 2024, 51.6% of 1994 Volvo 900 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 279 tests. The average for all 30-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1994 Volvo 900 Series?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; position lamp: not working; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1994 Volvo 900 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 76, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).