1995 · 29 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1995 Volvo 900 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

519 MOT tests in 2024. 65.7% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

98About average
Passed first time65.7%
Failed or needed repairs34.3%
Typical mileage at test157,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 519 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.4%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.8%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.9%
  4. Stop lamp: not working3.7%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.5%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.7%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.7%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.8%
  2. Brakes21.6%
  3. Emissions & leaks16.6%
  4. Suspension12.9%
  5. Body & chassis12.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.1%
  7. Tyres4.6%
  8. Steering3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.5%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.2%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn9.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 1995 Volvo 900 Series?

In 2024, 65.7% of 1995 Volvo 900 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 519 tests. The average for all 29-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1995 Volvo 900 Series?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake performance: excessively binding; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1995 Volvo 900 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).