At a Glance
The Volvo 440 has 27 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 440 (1988-1997) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 160K 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 440 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 440 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 440 Generations
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Most Common Volvo 440 MOT Failures
Every reason Volvo 440 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 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 12.63% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.55% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.30% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.47% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.62% |
| 6 | Stop lamp not working | 4.60% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.55% |
| 8 | Front lamp not working | 4.43% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.62% |
| 10 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.42% |
| 11 | Driveshaft fault | 3.41% |
| 12 | Tyre condition | 3.20% |
| 13 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.96% |
| 14 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.47% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.20% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 2.12% |
| 17 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.95% |
| 18 | Parking brake condition | 1.80% |
| 19 | Fog lamp not working | 1.40% |
| 20 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.39% |
| 21 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.24% |
| 22 | Indicator fault | 1.17% |
| 23 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.97% |
| 24 | Front suspension fault | 0.80% |
| 25 | Chassis condition | 0.78% |
| 26 | Exhaust system fault | 0.58% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.54% |
| 28 | Horn not working | 0.46% |
| 29 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.45% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.45% |
| 31 | Steering rack fault | 0.44% |
| 32 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.43% |
| 33 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.34% |
| 34 | Position lamp not working | 0.34% |
| 35 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.29% |
| 36 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.29% |
| 37 | Brake fluid leak | 0.26% |
| 38 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.26% |
| 39 | Rear suspension fault | 0.25% |
| 40 | Brake pedal fault | 0.22% |
| 41 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.22% |
| 42 | Electrical switch fault | 0.22% |
| 43 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.17% |
| 44 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.17% |
| 45 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.17% |
| 46 | Brake caliper fault | 0.17% |
| 47 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.15% |
| 48 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.15% |
| 49 | CV joint worn | 0.14% |
| 50 | ABS fault | 0.14% |
| 51 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.14% |
| 52 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.12% |
| 53 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.12% |
| 54 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.11% |
| 55 | Body security fault | 0.11% |
| 56 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 57 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.11% |
| 58 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.10% |
| 59 | Headlamp fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Rear lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 61 | Steering free play excessive | 0.08% |
| 62 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 63 | Steering column fault | 0.07% |
| 64 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 65 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.07% |
| 66 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.07% |
| 67 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.06% |
| 68 | Power steering ram fault | 0.06% |
| 69 | Airbag warning light on | 0.05% |
| 70 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 71 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.05% |
| 72 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.05% |
| 74 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 75 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 78 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.03% |
| 79 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 80 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 81 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 82 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 84 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 85 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 86 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 90 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 91 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 92 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.01% |
| 93 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 97 | Engine oil leak | 0.01% |
| 98 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 100 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 101 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 102 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 106 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 112 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 115 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 119 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 122 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 129 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 138 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 142 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 147 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 148 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 151 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 156 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 157 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volvo 440 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volvo 440, 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 440 problems?
Based on analysis of 160K Volvo 440 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 27 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Exhaust system fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Volvo 440 generation has the most problems?
The Volvo 440 440 (1988-1997) (1988–1997) has the highest number of identified common problems (36). 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 440?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volvo 440 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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