Does the Volvo 240 fail the MOT on steering more than it should?
The Volvo 240 records 8.65 steering failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 7.66 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+0.99, 95% interval +0.39 to +1.59). It ranks 160 of 640 models on steering (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on steering · check a Volvo 240 by registration
What exactly fails on steering?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Volvo 240 is “Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated”, recorded 251 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated | 251 | 2.73 |
| A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play | 243 | 2.65 |
| Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 185 | 2.02 |
| Power steering fluid leaking or system malfunctioning | 38 | 0.41 |
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 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Volvo 240 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Volvo 240 seat belts and airbags failures · Volvo 240 suspension failures · Volvo 240 tyres failures · Volvo 240 visibility failures