Skip to content

Volvo 122 vs Volvo Unknown: reliability comparison

MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.

Volvo 122
67%
MOT pass rate · 590 vehicles
Volvo Unknown
86%
MOT pass rate · 319,034 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volvo 122 (67%) and Volvo Unknown (86%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Head to head

Measure Volvo 122 Volvo Unknown
MOT pass rate 67% 86% ✓
MOT failure rate 33% 14% ✓
Faults & advisories per test 0.5 ✓ 0.7
Dangerous-fault share 0% ✓ 4%
Average mileage 195,997 mi 431,427 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 590 319,034

Most common faults

Volvo 122

  1. Front Wheel bearing has slight play both (5.1.3 (a) (i))
  2. Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))
  3. Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))
  4. Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))
  5. Offside Front Indicator switch faulty (4.4.2 (a) (i))
  6. Offside Rear Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Volvo Unknown

  1. Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
  2. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  3. Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  4. Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))
  5. Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))
  6. Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Volvo 122 (67%) and Volvo Unknown (86%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Volvo 122 report Full Volvo Unknown report Most reliable cars

Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.