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Volvo 340 Series
Common Car Problems, MOT Failures & Pass Rate Data

34 identified problems144 MOT failure types36K MOT tests analysed1976–1991

Sources: DVSA MOT Test Data + owner-submitted problems

At a Glance

The Volvo 340 Series has 34 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Brake performance below minimum being the most reported. Tyres & Wheels is the most common MOT failure category. Based on 36K MOT tests from DVSA data.

Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →

Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Volvo 340 Series — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.

Volvo 340 Series MOT Pass Rate

Across 36K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Volvo 340 Series (1976–1991) has a fail rate of 47.7%.

All-time UK average fail rate: 34.9%

19K passed17K failed

Common Volvo 340 Series Problems

Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.

Tier:
Sort by:
Tier:MOT ProblemMOT ProblemUnexpected failure — a pattern we've highlighted as occurring significantly more often on this make/model than the UK average.Wear & TearWear & TearDegrades naturally over time with use. Expected to need replacement during the life of the vehicle.ConsumableConsumableRoutine replacement item — brake pads, tyres, bulbs, wiper blades. Expected as part of normal servicing.
Severity:DangerousDangerousMOT failure with an immediate safety risk. The vehicle cannot be driven until the problem is repaired.MajorMajorMOT failure. Must be repaired for the vehicle to pass its MOT.MinorMinorMOT failure on a smaller issue. The car passes its MOT but the problem should be repaired soon.

Brake performance below minimum

MOT ProblemMajorBrakes

4,374

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.8× the UK averageAvg mileage: 80,984 mi

Suspension component mounting corroded

MOT ProblemMajorSuspension

4,201

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 3.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 92,003 mi

Brake hydraulic component worn

MOT ProblemMajorBrakes

3,404

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 3.1× the UK averageAvg mileage: 84,876 mi

Exhaust system fault

MOT ProblemMajorExhaust

3,314

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.2× the UK averageAvg mileage: 81,483 mi

Stop lamp not working

MOT ProblemMajorElectrical

3,215

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.9× the UK averageAvg mileage: 80,889 mi

Tell Us About Your Problem

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Your report helps other car owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being published.

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Problems by mileage

Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Volvo 340 Series, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.

369 distinct problems · 81,302 total occurrences in current filter

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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volvo 340 Series problems?

Based on DVSA MOT data for the Volvo 340 Series (1976–1991), we have identified 34 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Brake performance below minimum". Tyres & Wheels is the most common MOT failure category.

How reliable is the Volvo 340 Series?

This generation has 36K MOT tests on record with a 47.7% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.

What commonly fails the MOT on a Volvo 340 Series?

There are 144 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the Series (1976–1991), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.

Can I report a problem with my Volvo 340 Series?

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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