Does the Volvo 240 fail the MOT on lamps, reflectors and electrics more than it should?
The Volvo 240 records 48.31 lamps, reflectors and electrics failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 29.48 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+18.83, 95% interval +17.40 to +20.25). It ranks 28 of 729 models on lamps, reflectors and electrics (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on lamps, reflectors and electrics · check a Volvo 240 by registration
What exactly fails on lamps, reflectors and electrics?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Volvo 240 is “Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective”, recorded 558 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective | 558 | 6.08 |
| The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 451 | 4.91 |
| A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | 448 | 4.88 |
| A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 374 | 4.07 |
| A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps | 334 | 3.64 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 9,179 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Volvo 240 in Norway · Volvo 240 in the Netherlands · Volvo 240 by postcode area · Volvo 240 body, chassis and structure failures · Volvo 240 brakes failures · Volvo 240 vehicle identification failures · Volvo 240 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Volvo 240 seat belts and airbags failures · Volvo 240 steering failures · Volvo 240 suspension failures · Volvo 240 tyres failures · Volvo 240 visibility failures