Volvo 950 vs Volvo S40: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volvo 950
74%
MOT pass rate · 1 vehicles
Volvo S40
70%
MOT pass rate · 104,637 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volvo 950 (74%) and Volvo S40 (70%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volvo 950 | Volvo S40 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 74% ✓ | 70% |
| MOT failure rate | 26% ✓ | 30% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.7 ✓ | 2.1 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 13% | 1% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 96,296 mi | 123,409 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1 | 104,637 |
Most common faults
Volvo 950
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Offside Front Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))
- Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)
- Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))
Volvo S40
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volvo 950 (74%) and Volvo S40 (70%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volvo 950 report Full Volvo S40 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.