1996 Volvo 850 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 850 models manufactured in 1996, based on 48,273 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 850 cars tested in 1996. Want to see how cars built in 1996 hold up over time?
View 1996 Volvo 850 vintage page → (57.0% current pass rate)1996 Volvo 850 MOT Analysis
The 1996 Volvo 850 has an MOT pass rate of 46.5% based on 48,273 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 146,839 miles on the odometer. With a 53.5% failure rate, the 1996 850 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1996 Volvo 850 is Brakes, responsible for 0.0% 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. Noise, emissions and leaks is the second most common issue at 0.0%.
Top failures specific to 1996 models only. The overall 850 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
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| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
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Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1996 Volvo 850 has an MOT pass rate of 46.5% based on 48,273 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 146,839 miles on the odometer. With a 53.5% failure rate, the 1996 850 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1996 Volvo 850, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. 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). With an average mileage of 146,839 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Brakes — 0.0% of failures
Brakes issues account for 0.0% of MOT failures on 1996 Volvo 850 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).
Noise, emissions and leaks — 0.0% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 0.0% of MOT failures on 1996 Volvo 850 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.