MOT Risk Index.co.uk

Volvo 800 Series MOT pass rate and common problems

68.0% of Volvo 800 Series models passed the 2024 MOT (based on 1,788 first tests): 62.0% at the first attempt and 6.0% after a fix at the test centre (PRS). About 2 in 5 failed the first attempt. For its age, it fails 10% more often than normal: MOT Risk Index 109.8 (95% CI 103.4–116.3; 100 = normal).

Volvo 800 Series at a glance, 2024 MOT
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
MOT pass rate68.0%incl. 6.0% fixed at the test centre20241788
Passed at the first attempt62.0%all first tests20241788
MOT Risk Index (95% CI 103.4–116.3)109.8index100 = normal for its age · rank 556 (tied) of 761 (1 = fails least for its age)20241788
Biggest excess: Body, chassis, structure20.4per 10015.1 same-age2019–20248287
Dangerous defects11.2per 10011.2 UK, not age-adjusted2019–20248287
Advisory items187.8per 100127.1 UK, not age-adjusted2019–20248287
strip · Volvo 800 Series · MOT Risk Index · 109.8 vs 100 = normal · 2024
MOT Risk Index · Volvo 800 Series. 0–240; 100 = normal for its age; median model 92.8 · rank 556 (tied) of 761 (1 = fails least for its age). It would rank between 492 and 614 anywhere within its 95% interval, other models held where they are. DVSA, 2024.
Volvo 800 Series index position among 761 models
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Rank556of 761published models, 1 = fails least for its age20241788
Best rank within its 95% interval492rankother models held where they are20241788
Worst rank within its 95% interval614rankother models held where they are20241788

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Download this page's numbers (CSV) · How to cite

Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · full dataset (v5). This model's index moved from 97.1 to 109.8 in the 24 September 2026 release, after duplicate test records were removed, and crossed the normal line.

What actually fails on a Volvo 800 Series MOT, and how often?

Volvo 800 Series MOTs fail most often on ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’: 33 per 100 tests, against 29.4 for UK cars of the same age (2019–2024, n = 8,287).

bar · Volvo 800 Series · Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment · 33 vs 29.4 · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment33per 10029.42019–20242735
Brakes24.7per 10020.32019–20242049
Suspension22per 10019.52019–20241820
Body, chassis, structure20.4per 10015.12019–20241693
Visibility14.4per 10010.72019–20241190
Noise, emissions and leaks9.1per 1007.52019–2024756

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 8,287 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Will my Volvo 800 Series's advisory become a fail at the next MOT?

Volvo 800 Series advisories turn into fails more often than on the median model: body, chassis, structure advisories became a fail at the next MOT 22.7% of the time.

funnel · Volvo 800 Series · Body, chassis, structure · 22.7 vs median model · 2019–2024
Advisories on body, chassis, structure: 22.7 of 100 became a fail on the same item at the next MOT. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Body, chassis, structure22.7% next failmedian model2019–2024652
Suspension20.1% next failmedian model2019–20241317
Brakes18.0% next failmedian model2019–20241220
Noise, emissions and leaks8.9% next failmedian model2019–2024955
Tyres8.4% next failmedian model2019–20241202

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

My Volvo 800 Series got an MOT advisory: what gets flagged most?

Volvo 800 Series MOTs flag suspension most: 45.7 advisories per 100 tests, against 26.2 across UK tests (2019–2024, n = 8,287).

bar · Volvo 800 Series · Suspension · 45.7 vs 26.2 · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Suspension45.7per 10026.22019–20243788
Brakes40per 10034.72019–20243318
Tyres37.3per 10039.72019–20243090
Noise, emissions and leaks18.9per 1005.22019–20241570
Body, chassis, structure15.2per 1004.62019–20241261
Non-component advisories9.4per 1007.82019–2024782

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 8,287 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What is likely to fail next on a Volvo 800 Series?

For Volvo 800 Series models aged 20 or older whose last MOT was a fail, the item most likely to fail at the next MOT is ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’: 24.5% failed on it (2019–2024, n = 2,065).

bar · Volvo 800 Series · Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 20 years or older, after a pass · 11.7 vs baseline · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 20 years or older, after a pass11.7% next fail2019–20241681
Body, chassis, structure, 20 years or older, after a pass11.2% next fail2019–20241681
Brakes, 20 years or older, after a pass10.0% next fail2019–20241681
Suspension, 20 years or older, after a pass10.0% next fail2019–20241681
Visibility, 20 years or older, after a pass7.3% next fail2019–20241681
Noise, emissions and leaks, 20 years or older, after a pass4.8% next fail2019–20241681
Steering, 20 years or older, after a pass3.2% next fail2019–20241681
Tyres, 20 years or older, after a pass3.0% next fail2019–20241681
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 20 years or older, after a pass0.8% next fail2019–20241681
Identification of the vehicle, 20 years or older, after a pass0.4% next fail2019–20241681
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 20 years or older, after an advisory17.9% next fail2019–20241744
Body, chassis, structure, 20 years or older, after an advisory17.0% next fail2019–20241744
Suspension, 20 years or older, after an advisory15.3% next fail2019–20241744
Visibility, 20 years or older, after an advisory13.1% next fail2019–20241744
Brakes, 20 years or older, after an advisory12.4% next fail2019–20241744
Steering, 20 years or older, after an advisory6.3% next fail2019–20241744
Noise, emissions and leaks, 20 years or older, after an advisory5.8% next fail2019–20241744
Tyres, 20 years or older, after an advisory5.3% next fail2019–20241744
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 20 years or older, after an advisory1.6% next fail2019–20241744
Identification of the vehicle, 20 years or older, after an advisory0.7% next fail2019–20241744
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 20 years or older, after a fail24.5% next fail2019–20242065
Suspension, 20 years or older, after a fail18.4% next fail2019–20242065
Brakes, 20 years or older, after a fail18.2% next fail2019–20242065
Body, chassis, structure, 20 years or older, after a fail18.0% next fail2019–20242065
Visibility, 20 years or older, after a fail14.2% next fail2019–20242065
Noise, emissions and leaks, 20 years or older, after a fail7.5% next fail2019–20242065
Steering, 20 years or older, after a fail6.3% next fail2019–20242065
Tyres, 20 years or older, after a fail5.9% next fail2019–20242065
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 20 years or older, after a fail2.3% next fail2019–20242065
Identification of the vehicle, 20 years or older, after a fail1.0% next fail2019–20242065
Road wheels, 20 years or older, after a fail0.4% next fail2019–20242065
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, an unknown age, after a fail (rough estimate: 85 cars)12.9% next fail2019–202485
Body, chassis, structure, an unknown age, after a fail (rough estimate: 85 cars)10.6% next fail2019–202485
Visibility, an unknown age, after a fail (rough estimate: 85 cars)9.4% next fail2019–202485
Suspension, an unknown age, after a fail (rough estimate: 85 cars)5.9% next fail2019–202485

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How often does a Volvo 800 Series get a dangerous MOT defect?

The Volvo 800 Series gets a dangerous defect about as often as the UK average: 11.2 per 100 first tests against 11.2 across the UK. In the same tests, 96.5 major and 33.2 minor defects were recorded per 100 tests (one test can record several).

bullet · Volvo 800 Series · Dangerous defects · 11.2 vs 11.2 · 2019–2024
Dangerous defects: 11.2 vs 11.2. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Dangerous defects11.2per 10011.22019–20248287

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 8,287 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id; severity not recorded for some 2018–2021 tests · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How much does it cost to fix a Volvo 800 Series MOT fail?

Expected repair cost per Volvo 800 Series MOT: about £141 (up to about £268 if more expensive parts are needed), from the chance of failing each item and its most common UK repair price (catalogue estimate, n = 1,788).

Computed, not measured.

bar · Volvo 800 Series · Expected repair bill · 141.1 vs modal price catalogue · price catalogue
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (price catalogue)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Expected repair bill141.1GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue1788
Estimated range lower141.1GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue1788
Estimated range upper268GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue1788
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Battery replacement (standard 12V lead-acid)46.2GBP expected contribution140price catalogue1788
Suspension: Suspension coil spring (single corner)39.6GBP expected contribution180price catalogue1788
Brakes: Front brake pads (parts + labour, typical hatchback)37.0GBP expected contribution150price catalogue1788
Noise, emissions and leaks: Exhaust rear silencer18.2GBP expected contribution200price catalogue1788

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: price catalogue · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is the Volvo 800 Series more reliable than similar cars?

Of 8 similar models, 4 fail less often for their age than the Volvo 800 Series and 4 as often or more. The Volvo 800 Series has an MOT Risk Index of 109.8, where 100 = normal for its age (2024, n = 1,788).

bar · Volvo 800 Series · Volvo 800 Series (this model) · 109.8 vs 100 = normal · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Volvo 800 Series (this model)109.8index100 = normal20241788
Volvo 900108.8index109.820243112
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross109index109.820242605
BMW X7113.9index109.820241914
Volkswagen LT111.2index109.820242513
Nissan Primera109.5index109.820243222
Fiat Grande Punto108index109.820243348
Citroen Saxo111.3index109.820243610
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Peugeot 406113.1index109.820243046

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many miles does a Volvo 800 Series last?

80.6% of Volvo 800 Series models tested had reached 100,000 miles, and 42.8% had reached 150,000 (2024, n = 6,657).

line · Volvo 800 Series · 100,000 miles · 80.6 vs baseline · 2024
100,000 miles: 80.6. 200,000 miles: 12.8. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
100,000 miles80.6% of tested cars20246657
150,000 miles42.8% of tested cars20243533
200,000 miles12.8% of tested cars20241057

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is the Volvo 800 Series driven more or less than average, and does that change the picture?

Matched on annual mileage as well as age, the Volvo 800 Series index is 104.0, against 121.6 on age alone (2019–2024, n = 1,788).

slope · Volvo 800 Series · Age and mileage adjusted index · 104 vs 121.6 · 2019–2024
Age and mileage adjusted index: 121.6 vs 104. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age and mileage adjusted index104index121.62019–20241788

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Volvo 800 Series fuel fails its MOT less?

All Volvo 800 Series models tested were petrol: 37.8% failed first time (2024, n = 1,673).

bar · Volvo 800 Series · Petrol · 37.8 vs other fuels · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Petrol37.8% fail first timeother fuels20241673

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Volvo 800 Series engine is best?

No Volvo 800 Series engine band clearly fails less or more for its age: the capacity bands are within 5 index points of each other or their 95% intervals overlap (2024, n = 1,788).

bar · Volvo 800 Series · Petrol over 2.0 litre · 99.3 vs 100 = model average · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Petrol over 2.0 litre99.3index vs model norm100 = model average20245323
Petrol 1.8–2.0 litre (rough estimate: 928 tests, 95% interval 91.5–107.6)99.4index vs model norm100 = model average2024928
Diesel over 2.0 litre (rough estimate: 394 tests, 95% interval 98.4–123.4)110.7index vs model norm100 = model average2024394

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Where in Britain does the Volvo 800 Series fail its MOT most?

Volvo 800 Series fails first-time MOTs most in Bournemouth (BH): 51.0% against 38.6% across Britain for this model, both 2019–2024 (2024, n = 100).

bar · Volvo 800 Series · Bournemouth (BH) (rough estimate: 100 tests, 95% interval 41.3–60.6%) · 51 vs 38.0 · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Bournemouth (BH) (rough estimate: 100 tests, 95% interval 41.3–60.6%)51% fail first time38.02024100
Bath (BA) (rough estimate: 113 tests, 95% interval 40.5–58.6%)49.6% fail first time38.02024113
Swindon (SN) (rough estimate: 100 tests, 95% interval 39.4–58.7%)49% fail first time38.02024100
Newcastle (NE) (rough estimate: 110 tests, 95% interval 16.7–32.4%)23.6% fail first time38.02024110
Birmingham (B) (rough estimate: 157 tests, 95% interval 18.2–31.5%)24.2% fail first time38.02024157
Sheffield (S) (rough estimate: 138 tests, 95% interval 20.8–35.5%)27.5% fail first time38.02024138
Portsmouth (PO) (rough estimate: 172 tests, 95% interval 40.3–55.1%)47.7% fail first time38.02024172
Gloucester (GL) (rough estimate: 123 tests, 95% interval 37.8–55.1%)46.3% fail first time38.02024123
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Oxford (OX) (rough estimate: 171 tests, 95% interval 37.2–51.9%)44.4% fail first time38.02024171
Brighton (BN) (rough estimate: 142 tests, 95% interval 36.5–52.6%)44.4% fail first time38.02024142
Hemel Hempstead (HP) (rough estimate: 107 tests, 95% interval 34.0–52.5%)43.0% fail first time38.02024107
Swansea (SA) (rough estimate: 117 tests, 95% interval 33.3–50.9%)41.9% fail first time38.02024117
Bristol (BS) (rough estimate: 153 tests, 95% interval 34.3–49.8%)41.8% fail first time38.02024153
Guildford (GU) (rough estimate: 159 tests, 95% interval 33.5–48.6%)40.9% fail first time38.02024159
Exeter (EX) (rough estimate: 135 tests, 95% interval 32.1–48.4%)40% fail first time38.02024135
Tonbridge (TN) (rough estimate: 219 tests, 95% interval 32.6–45.4%)38.8% fail first time38.02024219
Norwich (NR) (rough estimate: 264 tests, 95% interval 32.2–43.9%)37.9% fail first time38.02024264
Peterborough (PE) (rough estimate: 171 tests, 95% interval 30.5–44.9%)37.4% fail first time38.02024171
Redhill (RH) (rough estimate: 140 tests, 95% interval 28.3–43.9%)35.7% fail first time38.02024140
Nottingham (NG) (rough estimate: 162 tests, 95% interval 28.3–42.8%)35.2% fail first time38.02024162
Southampton (SO) (rough estimate: 160 tests, 95% interval 28.0–42.7%)35% fail first time38.02024160
Canterbury (CT) (rough estimate: 114 tests, 95% interval 26.1–43.3%)34.2% fail first time38.02024114
Ipswich (IP) (rough estimate: 153 tests, 95% interval 27.0–41.8%)34.0% fail first time38.02024153
Reading (RG) (rough estimate: 160 tests, 95% interval 26.3–40.7%)33.1% fail first time38.02024160
Leicester (LE) (rough estimate: 163 tests, 95% interval 25.8–40.0%)32.5% fail first time38.02024163
Doncaster (DN) (rough estimate: 106 tests, 95% interval 24.0–41.5%)32.1% fail first time38.02024106
Kingston upon Thames (KT) (rough estimate: 112 tests, 95% interval 20.2–36.6%)27.7% fail first time38.02024112

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What do six years of MOTs show about owning a Volvo 800 Series?

Of failed Volvo 800 Series MOTs, 23.1% were retested the same day and a further 67.5% within 10 days; the median failed car passed its retest after 2 days (2019–2024, n = 2,138).

bar · Volvo 800 Series · Same-day retest · 23.1 vs failed initial tests · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Same-day retest23.1%failed initial tests2019–20242138
Retest within 10 days67.5%failed initial tests2019–20242138
Clean MOT streak20.0%observed chains2019–20241834
Repeat advisory31.3%observed chains2019–20241834
Decreasing odometer3.7% mileage anomalyobserved chains2019–20242233

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

If a Volvo 800 Series fails, does it fail again?

34.9% of Volvo 800 Series models that failed an MOT failed the next one too, against 31.4% after a pass (2019–2024, n = 677). The failure most likely to come back is ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’: 34.5% of those fails recurred at the next MOT.

bullet · Volvo 800 Series · Repeat after fail · 34.9 vs 31.4 · 2019–2024
Repeat after fail: 34.9 vs 31.4. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Repeat after fail34.9%31.42019–2024677

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Volvo 800 Series faults come together?

On Volvo 800 Series models, seat belts and supplementary restraint systems and tyres failures turn up together 4.2 times as often as chance would predict (2024, n = 30).

Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Tyres (rough estimate: 30 tests, 95% interval 2.8–6.0)4.2liftexpected joint rate202430
Brakes + Identification of the vehicle (rough estimate: 40 tests, 95% interval 2.8–5.3)3.9liftexpected joint rate202440
Brakes + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 76 tests, 95% interval 3.0–4.7)3.8liftexpected joint rate202476
Noise, emissions and leaks + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 28 tests, 95% interval 2.2–4.7)3.3liftexpected joint rate202428
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Steering (rough estimate: 23 tests, 95% interval 2.0–4.8)3.2liftexpected joint rate202423
Identification of the vehicle + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (rough estimate: 43 tests, 95% interval 2.3–4.2)3.1liftexpected joint rate202443
Identification of the vehicle + Visibility (rough estimate: 26 tests, 95% interval 2.0–4.6)3.1liftexpected joint rate202426
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Suspension (rough estimate: 64 tests, 95% interval 2.4–3.9)3.1liftexpected joint rate202464
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Brakes + Noise, emissions and leaks (rough estimate: 225 tests, 95% interval 2.6–3.4)3.0liftexpected joint rate2024225
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 79 tests, 95% interval 2.3–3.7)3.0liftexpected joint rate202479
Noise, emissions and leaks + Tyres (rough estimate: 77 tests, 95% interval 2.3–3.6)2.9liftexpected joint rate202477
Brakes + Tyres (rough estimate: 180 tests, 95% interval 2.5–3.3)2.9liftexpected joint rate2024180
Noise, emissions and leaks + Steering (rough estimate: 77 tests, 95% interval 2.3–3.6)2.9liftexpected joint rate202477
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Visibility (rough estimate: 43 tests, 95% interval 1.9–3.6)2.7liftexpected joint rate202443
Body, chassis, structure + Identification of the vehicle (rough estimate: 30 tests, 95% interval 1.8–3.8)2.6liftexpected joint rate202430
Steering + Suspension (rough estimate: 171 tests, 95% interval 2.2–3.0)2.6liftexpected joint rate2024171
Suspension + Tyres (rough estimate: 167 tests, 95% interval 2.2–3.0)2.6liftexpected joint rate2024167
Body, chassis, structure + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 57 tests, 95% interval 2.0–3.4)2.6liftexpected joint rate202457
Body, chassis, structure + Noise, emissions and leaks (rough estimate: 203 tests, 95% interval 2.1–2.9)2.5liftexpected joint rate2024203
Brakes + Suspension (rough estimate: 441 tests, 95% interval 2.2–2.7)2.4liftexpected joint rate2024441
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Tyres (rough estimate: 201 tests, 95% interval 2.1–2.8)2.4liftexpected joint rate2024201
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Noise, emissions and leaks (rough estimate: 239 tests, 95% interval 2.1–2.7)2.4liftexpected joint rate2024239
Noise, emissions and leaks + Suspension (rough estimate: 184 tests, 95% interval 2.1–2.8)2.4liftexpected joint rate2024184
Brakes + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment2.4liftexpected joint rate2024558
Steering + Tyres (rough estimate: 53 tests, 95% interval 1.8–3.1)2.4liftexpected joint rate202453
Identification of the vehicle + Suspension (rough estimate: 25 tests, 95% interval 1.5–3.5)2.3liftexpected joint rate202425
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Visibility (rough estimate: 437 tests, 95% interval 2.1–2.6)2.3liftexpected joint rate2024437
Tyres + Visibility (rough estimate: 113 tests, 95% interval 1.9–2.7)2.3liftexpected joint rate2024113
Body, chassis, structure + Tyres (rough estimate: 153 tests, 95% interval 1.9–2.6)2.2liftexpected joint rate2024153
Brakes + Steering (rough estimate: 138 tests, 95% interval 1.8–2.6)2.2liftexpected joint rate2024138
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Suspension2.1liftexpected joint rate2024517
Brakes + Visibility (rough estimate: 301 tests, 95% interval 1.9–2.4)2.1liftexpected joint rate2024301
Body, chassis, structure + Brakes (rough estimate: 409 tests, 95% interval 1.9–2.3)2.1liftexpected joint rate2024409
Body, chassis, structure + Suspension (rough estimate: 420 tests, 95% interval 1.9–2.3)2.1liftexpected joint rate2024420
Body, chassis, structure + Steering (rough estimate: 145 tests, 95% interval 1.8–2.5)2.1liftexpected joint rate2024145
Suspension + Visibility (rough estimate: 301 tests, 95% interval 1.8–2.3)2.1liftexpected joint rate2024301
Noise, emissions and leaks + Visibility (rough estimate: 122 tests, 95% interval 1.7–2.4)2.0liftexpected joint rate2024122
Steering + Visibility (rough estimate: 102 tests, 95% interval 1.6–2.4)2liftexpected joint rate2024102
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Steering (rough estimate: 162 tests, 95% interval 1.6–2.2)1.9liftexpected joint rate2024162
Body, chassis, structure + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (rough estimate: 489 tests, 95% interval 1.7–2.1)1.9liftexpected joint rate2024489
Body, chassis, structure + Visibility (rough estimate: 273 tests, 95% interval 1.6–2.0)1.8liftexpected joint rate2024273
Identification of the vehicle + Tyres (seen together; too few for a multiplier)18tests with both202418
Identification of the vehicle + Noise, emissions and leaks (seen together; too few for a multiplier)12tests with both202412
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Road Wheels (seen together; too few for a multiplier)10tests with both202410
Road Wheels + Suspension (seen together; too few for a multiplier)9tests with both20249
Identification of the vehicle + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (seen together; too few for a multiplier)8tests with both20248
Brakes + Road Wheels (seen together; too few for a multiplier)8tests with both20248
Body, chassis, structure + Road Wheels (seen together; too few for a multiplier)6tests with both20246
Road Wheels + Visibility (seen together; too few for a multiplier)5tests with both20245

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Has the Volvo 800 Series had safety recalls?

DVSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns matched to the Volvo 800 Series; check whether yours has been fixed, using its registration number.

Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (DVSA register)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
DVSA recall campaigns matched7campaignsDVSA registerDVSA register1788

Source: DVSA register; recall effect covers 11 of 761 models · Window: DVSA register · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does the month of a Volvo 800 Series MOT matter?

Volvo 800 Series models fail first time most in January (41.5%, against 31.1% for all cars that month) and least in August (36.1%) (2024, n = 1,788).

line · Volvo 800 Series · January · 41.5 vs 31.1 · 2024
January: 41.5. December: 36.5. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volvo 800 Series: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
January41.5% fail first time31.12024727
February40.9% fail first time30.02024699
March40.3% fail first time28.32024819
April37.8% fail first time29.82024534
May38.7% fail first time28.82024512
June36.3% fail first time28.12024545
July37.2% fail first time29.32024656
August36.1% fail first time29.22024757
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
September36.3% fail first time28.22024788
October39% fail first time30.32024882
November41.0% fail first time30.62024848
December36.5% fail first time29.32024520

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Not enough tests for… (and why)

Tyres, brakes and suspension: how does the Volvo 800 Series compare with cars of the same age?

not computed for this model: no qualifying records. 1,788 initial Volvo 800 Series tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Fiat Grande Punto, a car of the same inspection class with 3.6× the tests · Check your car by registration

What have dealers been told about the Volvo 800 Series? (US market)

layer not yet computed for this model (covers 211 of 761 models). 1,788 initial Volvo 800 Series tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: NHTSA, US market; covers 211 of 761 models · Window: NHTSA · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Fiat Grande Punto, a car of the same inspection class with 3.6× the tests · Check your car by registration

Does the Volvo 800 Series fail inspections in other countries too?

no match in the other-country inspection register. 1,788 initial Volvo 800 Series tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: Statens vegvesen PKK (CC BY 4.0), Traficom Katsastus (CC BY 4.0), RDW APK (CC0), adapted; covers 430 of 761 models · Window: 2024 by country · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Fiat Grande Punto, a car of the same inspection class with 3.6× the tests · Check your car by registration

Real-world MPG against the official figure (manufacturer level)

layer not yet computed for this model (covers 19 of 761 models). 1,788 initial Volvo 800 Series tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: European Commission OBFCM; covers 19 of 761 models · Window: 2021+ cohorts · n = 1,788 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Fiat Grande Punto, a car of the same inspection class with 3.6× the tests · Check your car by registration

How to cite this page

MOT Risk Index (2026). Volvo 800 Series MOT statistics 2024 (data release dvsa-2024-v2; full dataset motriskindex-families-2024-v5, DOI 10.5281/zenodo.22975051), updated 24 September 2026. motriskindex.co.uk/cars/volvo-800/

How the MOT Risk Index and every figure on this page are calculated: methodology.

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Volvo 800 Series MOT: quick answers

What is the Volvo 800 Series first-time MOT pass rate?

62.0% of first attempts passed in 2024 (1,788 tests). Retests after repair are excluded; cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) are shown separately.

Why does this number differ from other sites?

Other sites may count retests or all attempts. This page uses 1,788 primary tests: 38.03% failed first time and 68.0% passed when cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) count as passes. The age-adjusted MOT Risk Index 109.8 is shown separately.