Does the Volvo 900 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Volvo 900 records 18.62 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 20.54 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−1.92, 95% interval −2.66 to −1.18). It ranks 389 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 900 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Volvo 900 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 940 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 | 940 | 6.51 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 738 | 5.11 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 414 | 2.87 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 157 | 1.09 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 97 | 0.67 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 14,448 (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 900 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
17.5% of Volvo 900 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 1,988 miles later (2,688 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 2,688 (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 900 by postcode area · Volvo 900 body, chassis and structure failures · Volvo 900 brakes failures · Volvo 900 vehicle identification failures · Volvo 900 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Volvo 900 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Volvo 900 seat belts and airbags failures · Volvo 900 steering failures · Volvo 900 tyres failures · Volvo 900 visibility failures