Does the Volvo 240 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Volvo 240 records 25.49 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 19.36 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+6.13, 95% interval +5.10 to +7.17). It ranks 107 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Volvo 240 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Volvo 240 is “The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired”, recorded 845 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 845 | 9.21 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 560 | 6.10 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 315 | 3.43 |
| A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded | 129 | 1.41 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 128 | 1.39 |
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
If a Volvo 240 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
20.4% of Volvo 240 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 930 miles later (1,928 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,928 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · 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 steering failures · Volvo 240 tyres failures · Volvo 240 visibility failures