Does the Volvo 400 Series fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Volvo 400 Series records 27.56 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 19.33 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+8.23, 95% interval +5.90 to +10.57). It ranks 79 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 400 Series by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Volvo 400 Series 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 210 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 | 210 | 10.82 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 103 | 5.31 |
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 54 | 2.78 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 47 | 2.42 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 45 | 2.32 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,941 (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 400 Series body, chassis and structure failures · Volvo 400 Series brakes failures · Volvo 400 Series lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Volvo 400 Series noise, emissions and leaks failures · Volvo 400 Series seat belts and airbags failures · Volvo 400 Series steering failures · Volvo 400 Series tyres failures · Volvo 400 Series visibility failures