1964 Volvo 121 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 121 models manufactured in 1964, based on 151 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1964 Volvo 121 MOT Analysis
The 1964 Volvo 121 has an MOT pass rate of 68.2% based on 151 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 55,560 miles on the odometer. With a 31.8% failure rate, the 1964 121 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1964 Volvo 121 is Suspension, responsible for 2.6% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems is the second most common issue at 1.3%. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment follows at 0.7%.
Top failures specific to 1964 models only. The overall 121 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
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| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 2.6% | 4 |
| 2 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 1.3% | 2 |
| 3 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.7% | 1 |
| 4 | Steering | 0.7% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 55,560 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.48 | 2.6% | 4 |
| Seat Belts | 0.24 | 1.3% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.12 | 0.7% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.12 | 0.7% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1964 Volvo 121 has an MOT pass rate of 68.2% based on 151 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 55,560 miles on the odometer. With a 31.8% failure rate, the 1964 121 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1964 Volvo 121, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. At 55,560 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Suspension — 2.6% of failures
Suspension issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 1964 Volvo 121 models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 1.3% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 1.3% of MOT failures on 1964 Volvo 121 models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 0.7% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 0.7% of MOT failures on 1964 Volvo 121 models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.