1981 Volvo 345 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 345 models manufactured in 1981, based on 63 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1981 Volvo 345 MOT Analysis
The 1981 Volvo 345 has an MOT pass rate of 44.4% based on 63 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 76,579 miles on the odometer. With a 55.6% failure rate, the 1981 345 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1981 Volvo 345 is Tyres, responsible for 3.2% of failures. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs range from £50–200 per tyre. Non-component advisories is the second most common issue at 3.2%. Suspension follows at 1.6%.
Top failures specific to 1981 models only. The overall 345 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 | Tyres | 3.2% | 2 |
| 2 | Non-component Advisories | 3.2% | 2 |
| 3 | Suspension | 1.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 76,579 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 0.41 | 3.2% | 2 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.41 | 3.2% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.21 | 1.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1981 Volvo 345 has an MOT pass rate of 44.4% based on 63 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 76,579 miles on the odometer. With a 55.6% failure rate, the 1981 345 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1981 Volvo 345, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to tyres: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating. At 76,579 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Tyres — 3.2% of failures
Tyres issues account for 3.2% of MOT failures on 1981 Volvo 345 models. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Non-component advisories — 3.2% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 3.2% of MOT failures on 1981 Volvo 345 models. Non-component advisories 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.
Suspension — 1.6% of failures
Suspension issues account for 1.6% of MOT failures on 1981 Volvo 345 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.