Volvo 800 series vs Volvo Unknown: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volvo 800 series
66%
MOT pass rate · 41,605 vehicles
Volvo Unknown
86%
MOT pass rate · 319,034 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Volvo Unknown is the more reliable of the two — 86% pass first time versus 66%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Volvo 800 series | Volvo Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 66% | 86% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 34% | 14% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.1 | 0.7 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 0% ✓ | 4% |
| Average mileage | 157,042 mi | 431,427 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 41,605 | 319,034 |
Most common faults
Volvo 800 series
- Oil leak
- Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
Volvo Unknown
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))
- Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))
- Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Volvo Unknown is the more reliable of the two — 86% pass first time versus 66%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Volvo 800 series 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.