1996 Volvo S40 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for S40 models manufactured in 1996, based on 5,839 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all S40 cars tested in 1996. Want to see how cars built in 1996 hold up over time?
View 1996 Volvo S40 vintage page → (56.7% current pass rate)1996 Volvo S40 MOT Analysis
The 1996 Volvo S40 has an MOT pass rate of 37.5% based on 5,839 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 109,022 miles on the odometer. With a 62.5% failure rate, the 1996 S40 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1996 Volvo S40 is Brakes, responsible for 0.2% 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. Steering is the second most common issue at 0.0%. Body, chassis, structure follows at 0.0%.
Top failures specific to 1996 models only. The overall S40 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 | 0.2% | 12 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 109,022 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.02 | 0.2% | 12 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1996 Volvo S40 has an MOT pass rate of 37.5% based on 5,839 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 109,022 miles on the odometer. With a 62.5% failure rate, the 1996 S40 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1996 Volvo S40, 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 109,022 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Brakes — 0.2% of failures
Brakes issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1996 Volvo S40 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).
Steering — 0.0% of failures
Steering issues account for 0.0% of MOT failures on 1996 Volvo S40 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.
Body, chassis, structure — 0.0% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 0.0% of MOT failures on 1996 Volvo S40 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.