1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Volvo 900 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

712 MOT tests in 2024. 63.2% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time63.2%
Failed or needed repairs36.8%
Typical mileage at test155,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 712 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.2%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.7%
  3. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.1%
  5. Horn: not working3.1%
  6. Stop lamp: not working2.8%
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.7%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
  9. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.2%
  10. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.6%
  2. Brakes18.7%
  3. Suspension12.4%
  4. Emissions & leaks11.1%
  5. Body & chassis10.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.6%
  7. Steering5.2%
  8. Tyres3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine24.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.2%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.1%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Volvo 900 Series?

In 2024, 63.2% of 1997 Volvo 900 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 712 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Volvo 900 Series?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Volvo 900 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).