Volvo S40 vs Volvo S90 r-design + d5 awd auto: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volvo S40
70%
MOT pass rate · 104,637 vehicles
Volvo S90 r-design + d5 awd auto
81%
MOT pass rate · 6 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volvo S40 (70%) and Volvo S90 r-design + d5 awd auto (81%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volvo S40 | Volvo S90 r-design + d5 awd auto |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 70% | 81% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 30% | 19% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.1 | 1.2 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 1% ✓ | 19% |
| Average mileage | 123,409 mi | 62,703 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 104,637 | 6 |
Most common faults
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)
Volvo S90 r-design + d5 awd auto
- 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))
- Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))
- Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volvo S40 (70%) and Volvo S90 r-design + d5 awd auto (81%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volvo S40 report Full Volvo S90 r-design + d5 awd auto 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.