1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Volvo 900 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

242 MOT tests in 2024. 62.0% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time62.0%
Failed or needed repairs38.0%
Typical mileage at test153,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 242 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.4%
  2. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.7%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  4. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.7%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.3%
  6. Horn: not working3.3%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.3%
  8. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.3%
  9. Stop lamp: not working2.9%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.0%
  2. Brakes16.1%
  3. Body & chassis12.4%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.7%
  5. Suspension10.3%
  6. Steering6.6%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.0%
  8. Tyres4.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.6%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.3%

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 1998 Volvo 900 Series?

In 2024, 62.0% of 1998 Volvo 900 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 242 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 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; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Volvo 900 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 95, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).