2004 · 20 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2004 Volvo XC70 MOT pass rate and common faults

682 MOT tests in 2024. 52.9% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time52.9%
Failed or needed repairs47.1%
Typical mileage at test164,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 682 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working7.9%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.2%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play5.9%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.0%
  5. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault4.4%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.4%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value3.7%
    28 marked dangerous
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.2%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.2%
  10. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics39.7%
  2. Brakes30.1%
  3. Suspension29.0%
  4. Steering10.6%
  5. Body & chassis7.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.6%
  7. Tyres6.5%
  8. Emissions & leaks4.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.0%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn17.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.5%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.9%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)11.1%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2004 Volvo XC70?

In 2024, 52.9% of 2004 Volvo XC70 cars passed their MOT first time, across 682 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Volvo XC70?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Volvo XC70 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).