MOT performance
2005 Volvo S40: MOT pass rate and common failures
Of 3,207 MOT tests on 2005-registered Volvo S40s in 2023–2024 (on average 17.9 years old at test, median 113,345 miles), 55.9% passed first time, 1 points lower than the Volvo S40 overall. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, 2005 Volvo S40s failed about as often as comparable cars.
3,207 MOT tests on 1,769 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto
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| Figure | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 55.9% | ±1.7 pts (95%), n = 3,207 |
| All Volvo S40s | 56.8% | n = 39,163 |
| Failures vs similar cars | 0.99× | same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00 |
| Tests with a dangerous defect | 13.6% | n = 3,207 |
| Average age at test | 17.9 years | n = 3,207 |
Where 2005 Volvo S40s fail
| Area | Tests failed on it | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 20.6% | +15% |
| Lights, reflectors and electrical | 16.6% | -26% |
| Brakes | 13.6% | -3% |
| Tyres | 9.3% | +28% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 8.1% | -13% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.2% | -16% |
| Driver's view of the road | 6.0% | -21% |
| Steering | 4.7% | +12% |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.0% | -68% |
| Road wheels | 0.9% | +72% |
| Registration plates and VIN | 0.5% | -26% |
| Speedometer and driving controls | 0.0% | +177% |
Most common failure items
| Item | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements | Brakes | 6.11% |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Suspension | 5.52% |
| Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Body, chassis and structure | 4.83% |
| Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.68% |
| Condition: has ply or cords exposed | Tyres | 3.43% |
Check a specific 2005 Volvo S40
Enter a UK registration to see that car's own MOT history and what it is likely to cost to own. Your first check is free and shows the vehicle summary and its headline ownership cost. The category-by-category breakdown is part of a paid check.
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About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.