1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Volvo S40 MOT pass rate and common faults

112 MOT tests in 2024. 63.4% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

98Below average
Passed first time63.4%
Failed or needed repairs36.6%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 112 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.4%
  2. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam4.5%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.5%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.6%
  5. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.6%
  6. Position lamp: not working3.6%
  7. Headlamp aim: too low3.6%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  9. Rear fog lamp: not working2.7%
  10. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics43.8%
  2. Brakes17.0%
  3. Emissions & leaks14.3%
  4. Suspension13.4%
  5. Body & chassis8.0%
  6. Tyres7.1%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.4%
  8. Steering4.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.2%
  3. Registration plates: inscription illegible14.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.6%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn11.6%

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: 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.

All S40 years1999 S40 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Volvo S40?

In 2024, 63.4% of 1998 Volvo S40 cars passed their MOT first time, across 112 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Volvo S40?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp: not working on dipped beam; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Volvo S40 reliable at MOT time?

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