Volvo S80 MOT pass rate and common problems
77.3% of 10,953 Volvo S80 MOT tests pass.
At 77.3%, the S80 passes slightly less often than the average across all Volvo models (80.1%).
At 77.3%, the Volvo S80 passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Volvo S80?
This is the average across every Volvo S80 in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Volvo’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 87.6% at 6–10 years to 72.9% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 87.6% | 1,227 | 85,301 miles |
| 10–15 years | 81.6% | 3,436 | 117,869 miles |
| 15+ years | 72.9% | 6,290 | 133,403 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Volvo S80
The most common reason the Volvo S80 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 60.1% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 60.1% | Not working |
| Brakes | 32.8% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Suspension | 30.6% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Tyres | 22.3% | Has ply or cords exposed |
| Visibility | 13.6% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 12.5% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Steering | 12.1% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.4% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.4% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.5% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Volvo S80: what to check
These checks follow the Volvo S80’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Volvo S80 comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 81.6% to 72.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 60,000–90,000 mi to 90,000–120,000 mi: 83.4% down to 77.0%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 60.1% of failed Volvo S80 MOTs. 22.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.9% at 6–10 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 32.8% of failed Volvo S80 MOTs. 14.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 3.0% at 6–10 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 30.6% of failed Volvo S80 MOTs. 12.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 1.3% at 6–10 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 22.3% of failed Volvo S80 MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 13.6% of failed Volvo S80 MOTs. 4.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 1.2% at 6–10 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Volvo service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Volvo models
- Volvo V90 — 87.0% pass rate
- Volvo C70 — 68.0% pass rate
- Volvo S90 — 89.5% pass rate
- Volvo 900 Series — 67.9% pass rate
- Volvo 800 Series — 69.1% pass rate
- Volvo 240 — 67.9% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Volvo S80?
- 77.3% of Volvo S80 MOT tests pass, based on 10,953 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Volvo S80?
- The most common reason the Volvo S80 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 60.1% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Volvo S80?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Volvo S80 are lights and electrics; brakes; suspension. 22.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.9% at 6–10 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Volvo S80?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; suspension; tyres; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Volvo S80's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Volvo service history guide for how to check and keep one.