1996 Volvo 960 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 960 models manufactured in 1996, based on 7,208 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 960 cars tested in 1996. Want to see how cars built in 1996 hold up over time?
View 1996 Volvo 960 vintage page → (56.5% current pass rate)1996 Volvo 960 MOT Analysis
The 1996 Volvo 960 has an MOT pass rate of 52.2% based on 7,208 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 128,543 miles on the odometer. With a 47.8% failure rate, the 1996 960 is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1996 Volvo 960 is Steering, responsible for 0.0% of failures. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs range from £150–600. Brakes is the second most common issue at 0.0%.
Top failures specific to 1996 models only. The overall 960 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 960 has an MOT pass rate of 52.2% based on 7,208 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 128,543 miles on the odometer. With a 47.8% failure rate, the 1996 960 is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1996 Volvo 960, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to steering: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels. With an average mileage of 128,543 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Steering — 0.0% of failures
Steering issues account for 0.0% of MOT failures on 1996 Volvo 960 models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Brakes — 0.0% of failures
Brakes issues account for 0.0% of MOT failures on 1996 Volvo 960 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).
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.