Does the Volvo 400 Series fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?
The Volvo 400 Series records 16.28 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 10.63 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+5.65, 95% interval +3.86 to +7.45). It ranks 21 of 746 models on visibility (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on visibility · check a Volvo 400 Series by registration
What exactly fails on visibility?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Volvo 400 Series is “Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen”, recorded 103 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 103 | 5.31 |
| Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 86 | 4.43 |
| Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 73 | 3.76 |
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 suspension failures · Volvo 400 Series tyres failures