1991 Volvo 400 Series MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 400 Series models manufactured in 1991, based on 161 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 400 Series cars tested in 1991. Want to see how cars built in 1991 hold up over time?
View 1991 Volvo 400 Series vintage page → (68.3% current pass rate)1991 Volvo 400 Series MOT Analysis
The 1991 Volvo 400 Series has an MOT pass rate of 65.2% based on 161 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 75,399 miles on the odometer. With a 34.8% failure rate, the 1991 400 Series is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1991 Volvo 400 Series is Brakes, responsible for 17.4% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Suspension is the second most common issue at 13.7%. Body, chassis, structure follows at 6.8%.
Top failures specific to 1991 models only. The overall 400 Series 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 | Brakes | 17.4% | 28 |
| 2 | Suspension | 13.7% | 22 |
| 3 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 6.8% | 11 |
| 4 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 5.6% | 9 |
| 5 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 3.7% | 6 |
| 6 | Visibility | 2.5% | 4 |
| 7 | Non-component Advisories | 2.5% | 4 |
| 8 | Tyres | 1.2% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 75,399 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.31 | 17.4% | 28 |
| Suspension | 1.81 | 13.7% | 22 |
| Body & Structure | 0.91 | 6.8% | 11 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.74 | 5.6% | 9 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.49 | 3.7% | 6 |
| Visibility | 0.33 | 2.5% | 4 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.33 | 2.5% | 4 |
| Tyres | 0.16 | 1.2% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1991 Volvo 400 Series has an MOT pass rate of 65.2% based on 161 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 75,399 miles on the odometer. With a 34.8% failure rate, the 1991 400 Series is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1991 Volvo 400 Series, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). At 75,399 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Brakes — 17.4% of failures
Brakes issues account for 17.4% of MOT failures on 1991 Volvo 400 Series models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Suspension — 13.7% of failures
Suspension issues account for 13.7% of MOT failures on 1991 Volvo 400 Series 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.
Body, chassis, structure — 6.8% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 6.8% of MOT failures on 1991 Volvo 400 Series models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.