Volvo Xc70 MOT Failures
An analysis of 177,502 real DVSA MOT tests on the Volvo Xc70 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: P24_Gen1 (1998–2007), P24_Gen2 (2007–2016).
Where the Volvo Xc70 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Volvo Xc70 is power steering fault — this model is 54 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a major concern for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 177,502 MOT tests, 1.12% of all Volvo Xc70 tests recorded this as a failure.
Steering faults include worn track rod ends, power steering leaks, and rack wear. These are safety-critical — any play in the steering should be investigated immediately.
Other notable weak points include parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (13x the fleet average), anti-roll bar links worn (51x the fleet average), parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... (14x the fleet average), and track rod ends worn (8.8x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Volvo Xc70's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Steering, Brakes, Suspension, Bodywork, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a Volvo Xc70 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Volvo Xc70's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Volvo Xc70 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are power steering fault (54x the average) and anti-roll bar links worn (51x). suspension pin, bush or joint worn (9.6x) and headlight fault (9.6x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Volvo Xc70 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (12x the average) and power steering fault (11x). anti-roll bar links worn (7.9x) and track rod ends worn (6.8x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Volvo Xc70 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ... (37x the average) and parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r... (14x). parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (8.4x) and power steering fault (7.3x) also appear frequently.
The shift from power steering fault at lower mileages to fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ... at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Volvo Xc70 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Power steering system failure (P24_Gen2) Major
The electric power steering pump and associated high-pressure lines are prone to failure on second-generation XC70s. Affects P24_Gen2; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£800.
Parking brake efficiency degradation Major
The parking brake system on second-generation XC70s develops poor efficiency at higher mileages, failing to meet the legal requirement to hold the vehicle on a 16% gradient. Affects P24_Gen2; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£500.
Suspension bush and joint wear
XC70s develop accelerated wear in suspension bushes and ball joints, particularly in the front lower arms and anti-roll bar links. Affects P24_Gen1, P24_Gen2; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£600.
Windscreen seal water ingress
The windscreen seal on second-generation XC70s can fail, allowing water to leak into the cabin through the overhead light fixture area. Affects P24_Gen2; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£500.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Volvo Xc70 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Volvo Xc70
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Volvo Xc70:
Steering — check for power steering fault, track rod ends worn. Brakes — check for parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement, parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r.... Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about power steering system failure and parking brake efficiency degradation. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £400. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Volvo Xc70?
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Volvo Xc70 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Volvo Xc70?
Based on 177,502 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is power steering fault — at 54x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement and anti-roll bar links worn.
Is the Volvo Xc70 reliable based on MOT data?
The Volvo Xc70 has 12 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag power steering system failure as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Volvo Xc70 most commonly fails on fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ... and parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the r.... Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are power steering fault and anti-roll bar links worn.
How do I check a Volvo Xc70's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.