1980 Volvo 240 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 240 models manufactured in 1980, based on 38 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1980 Volvo 240 MOT Analysis
The 1980 Volvo 240 has an MOT pass rate of 73.7% based on 38 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 89,342 miles on the odometer. With a 26.3% failure rate, the 1980 240 is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1980 Volvo 240 is Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, responsible for 13.2% of failures. 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 range from £50–200 per belt. Noise, emissions and leaks is the second most common issue at 10.5%. Suspension follows at 10.5%.
Top failures specific to 1980 models only. The overall 240 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 13.2% | 5 |
| 2 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 10.5% | 4 |
| 3 | Suspension | 10.5% | 4 |
| 4 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 7.9% | 3 |
| 5 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 5.3% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 89,342 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 1.47 | 13.2% | 5 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.18 | 10.5% | 4 |
| Suspension | 1.18 | 10.5% | 4 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.88 | 7.9% | 3 |
| Body & Structure | 0.59 | 5.3% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1980 Volvo 240 has an MOT pass rate of 73.7% based on 38 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 89,342 miles on the odometer. With a 26.3% failure rate, the 1980 240 is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1980 Volvo 240, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to seat belts and supplementary restraint systems: 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. With an average mileage of 89,342 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 13.2% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 13.2% of MOT failures on 1980 Volvo 240 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.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 10.5% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 10.5% of MOT failures on 1980 Volvo 240 models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Suspension — 10.5% of failures
Suspension issues account for 10.5% of MOT failures on 1980 Volvo 240 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.