1971 Volvo 144 Dl Auto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 144 Dl Auto models manufactured in 1971, based on 36 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1971 Volvo 144 Dl Auto MOT Analysis
The 1971 Volvo 144 Dl Auto has an MOT pass rate of 63.9% based on 36 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 90,261 miles on the odometer. With a 36.1% failure rate, the 1971 144 Dl Auto is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1971 Volvo 144 Dl Auto is Suspension, responsible for 5.6% 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. Driver's View of the Road is the second most common issue at 2.8%.
Top failures specific to 1971 models only. The overall 144 Dl Auto 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 | 5.6% | 2 |
| 2 | Driver's View Of The Road | 2.8% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 90,261 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 | 0.62 | 5.6% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.31 | 2.8% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1971 Volvo 144 Dl Auto has an MOT pass rate of 63.9% based on 36 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 90,261 miles on the odometer. With a 36.1% failure rate, the 1971 144 Dl Auto is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1971 Volvo 144 Dl Auto, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. 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. With an average mileage of 90,261 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 5.6% of failures
Suspension issues account for 5.6% of MOT failures on 1971 Volvo 144 Dl Auto 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.
Driver's View of the Road — 2.8% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 2.8% of MOT failures on 1971 Volvo 144 Dl Auto models. Driver's View of the Road issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.