1998 Volvo S40 1.6i MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for S40 1.6i models manufactured in 1998, based on 32 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1998 Volvo S40 1.6i MOT Analysis
The 1998 Volvo S40 1.6i has an MOT pass rate of 25.0% based on 32 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 119,545 miles on the odometer. With a 75.0% failure rate, the 1998 S40 1.6i is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1998 Volvo S40 1.6i is Driver's View of the Road, responsible for 6.3% of failures. Driver's View of the Road 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 range from £100–400. Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment is the second most common issue at 3.1%. Steering follows at 3.1%.
Top failures specific to 1998 models only. The overall S40 1.6i 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 | Driver's View Of The Road | 6.3% | 2 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 3.1% | 1 |
| 3 | Steering | 3.1% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 119,545 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 0.52 | 6.3% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.26 | 3.1% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.26 | 3.1% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1998 Volvo S40 1.6i has an MOT pass rate of 25.0% based on 32 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 119,545 miles on the odometer. With a 75.0% failure rate, the 1998 S40 1.6i is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1998 Volvo S40 1.6i, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to driver's view of the road: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights. With an average mileage of 119,545 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Driver's View of the Road — 6.3% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 6.3% of MOT failures on 1998 Volvo S40 1.6i models. Driver's View of the Road 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.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 3.1% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 3.1% of MOT failures on 1998 Volvo S40 1.6i models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Steering — 3.1% of failures
Steering issues account for 3.1% of MOT failures on 1998 Volvo S40 1.6i 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.