At a Glance
The Volvo 340 has 34 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Series (1976-1991) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 37K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Volvo 340 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Volvo 340 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Volvo 340 Generations
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Most Common Volvo 340 MOT Failures
Every reason Volvo 340 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 23.71% |
| 2 | Front lamp not working | 9.34% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 6.53% |
| 4 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.77% |
| 5 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 4.63% |
| 6 | Parking brake condition | 4.27% |
| 7 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.52% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.22% |
| 9 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.09% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.91% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.83% |
| 12 | Track rod end worn | 2.39% |
| 13 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.83% |
| 14 | Front suspension fault | 1.54% |
| 15 | Position lamp not working | 1.31% |
| 16 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.20% |
| 17 | Steering free play excessive | 1.09% |
| 18 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.06% |
| 19 | Horn not working | 0.99% |
| 20 | Driveshaft fault | 0.90% |
| 21 | Exhaust system fault | 0.90% |
| 22 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.90% |
| 23 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.78% |
| 24 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.77% |
| 25 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.61% |
| 26 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.61% |
| 27 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.55% |
| 28 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.53% |
| 29 | Headlamp fault | 0.49% |
| 30 | Number plate lamp not working | 0.48% |
| 31 | Steering arm worn | 0.48% |
| 32 | Rear suspension fault | 0.47% |
| 33 | Brake pedal fault | 0.44% |
| 34 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.42% |
| 35 | Chassis condition | 0.41% |
| 36 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.41% |
| 37 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.40% |
| 38 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.39% |
| 39 | Brake lever fault | 0.38% |
| 40 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.36% |
| 41 | Steering coupling worn | 0.36% |
| 42 | Brake fluid leak | 0.35% |
| 43 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.35% |
| 44 | Stop lamp not working | 0.34% |
| 45 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.31% |
| 46 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.28% |
| 47 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.28% |
| 48 | Steering operation fault | 0.25% |
| 49 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.23% |
| 50 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.22% |
| 51 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.22% |
| 52 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 53 | Steering lock fault | 0.20% |
| 54 | Indicator fault | 0.18% |
| 55 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.18% |
| 56 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.17% |
| 57 | Brake caliper fault | 0.17% |
| 58 | Drag link end worn | 0.16% |
| 59 | Steering rack fault | 0.16% |
| 60 | Rear lamp not working | 0.15% |
| 61 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.15% |
| 62 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.15% |
| 63 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.15% |
| 64 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.13% |
| 65 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.10% |
| 66 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.09% |
| 67 | Front passenger door fault | 0.09% |
| 68 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 69 | Driver door fault | 0.08% |
| 70 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.08% |
| 71 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.08% |
| 72 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.08% |
| 73 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 74 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.07% |
| 75 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.07% |
| 76 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.07% |
| 77 | CV joint worn | 0.07% |
| 78 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 79 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.07% |
| 80 | Steering shaft fault | 0.07% |
| 81 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.07% |
| 82 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.06% |
| 83 | Fog lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 84 | Steering column fault | 0.06% |
| 85 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Dip switch fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.05% |
| 88 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 89 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 90 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.05% |
| 91 | Passenger seat fault | 0.05% |
| 92 | Seat belt condition | 0.05% |
| 93 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 94 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.04% |
| 95 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 96 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 97 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.04% |
| 98 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 99 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.04% |
| 100 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 102 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 104 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 105 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 106 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 107 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
| 108 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake servo fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 111 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Spare wheel fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 114 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 115 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.02% |
| 116 | Brake valve fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 118 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 119 | Spring saddle corroded | 0.02% |
| 120 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 121 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 122 | ABS fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 124 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 126 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 131 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 133 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 133 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volvo 340 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volvo 340, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo 340 problems?
Based on analysis of 37K Volvo 340 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 34 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Volvo 340 generation has the most problems?
The Volvo 340 Series (1976-1991) (1976–1991) has the highest number of identified common problems (43). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Volvo 340?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volvo 340 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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