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Volvo 900 vs Volvo V40: reliability comparison

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

Volvo 900
70%
MOT pass rate · 3 vehicles
Volvo V40
74%
MOT pass rate · 171,790 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volvo 900 (70%) and Volvo V40 (74%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Head to head

Measure Volvo 900 Volvo V40
MOT pass rate 70% 74% ✓
MOT failure rate 30% 26% ✓
Faults & advisories per test 1.3 ✓ 1.9
Dangerous-fault share 0% ✓ 2%
Average mileage 147,304 mi 106,048 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 3 171,790

Most common faults

Volvo 900

  1. Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
  2. brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)
  3. Horn not working (1.6.2a)
  4. Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)
  5. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  6. NOISE IN STEERING RACK BUT NO EXCESSIVE PLAY

Volvo V40

  1. Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  2. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  3. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  4. Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  5. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  6. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Volvo 900 (70%) and Volvo V40 (74%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Volvo 900 report Full Volvo V40 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.