At a Glance
The Volvo 940 has 37 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 940 (1990-1998) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 240K 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 940 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 940 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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Most Common Volvo 940 MOT Failures
Every reason Volvo 940 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 | 12.82% |
| 2 | Stop lamp not working | 9.14% |
| 3 | Track rod end worn | 6.18% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 6.08% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.41% |
| 6 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 5.33% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.43% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.40% |
| 9 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 4.14% |
| 10 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.05% |
| 11 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.72% |
| 12 | Exhaust system fault | 2.56% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.54% |
| 14 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.11% |
| 15 | Brake performance below minimum | 1.91% |
| 16 | Position lamp not working | 1.88% |
| 17 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.68% |
| 18 | Parking brake condition | 1.56% |
| 19 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.52% |
| 20 | Front lamp not working | 1.35% |
| 21 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.28% |
| 22 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 1.12% |
| 23 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.04% |
| 24 | Seat belt condition | 0.95% |
| 25 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.93% |
| 26 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.78% |
| 27 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.65% |
| 28 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.58% |
| 29 | Chassis condition | 0.53% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.47% |
| 31 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.45% |
| 32 | Steering free play excessive | 0.43% |
| 33 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.42% |
| 34 | Headlamp fault | 0.39% |
| 35 | Indicator fault | 0.38% |
| 36 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.34% |
| 37 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.33% |
| 38 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.32% |
| 39 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.32% |
| 40 | Steering rack fault | 0.32% |
| 41 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.30% |
| 42 | Horn not working | 0.27% |
| 43 | Fog lamp not working | 0.23% |
| 44 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.23% |
| 45 | Airbag warning light on | 0.23% |
| 46 | Rear suspension fault | 0.23% |
| 47 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.22% |
| 48 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.22% |
| 49 | Brake fluid leak | 0.22% |
| 50 | Brake lever fault | 0.19% |
| 51 | Rear lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 52 | Electrical switch fault | 0.19% |
| 53 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.18% |
| 54 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.17% |
| 55 | Steering arm worn | 0.17% |
| 56 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.16% |
| 57 | Front suspension fault | 0.15% |
| 58 | Engine oil leak | 0.15% |
| 59 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.14% |
| 60 | Steering operation fault | 0.13% |
| 61 | Drag link end worn | 0.13% |
| 62 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 63 | Steering coupling worn | 0.12% |
| 64 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.11% |
| 65 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.11% |
| 66 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 67 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 68 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.10% |
| 69 | Speedometer fault | 0.09% |
| 70 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 71 | Power steering pump fault | 0.09% |
| 72 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 73 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.08% |
| 74 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.08% |
| 75 | Towbar fault | 0.08% |
| 76 | Propshaft fault | 0.08% |
| 77 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.07% |
| 78 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 79 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 80 | Brake pedal fault | 0.06% |
| 81 | Steering column fault | 0.06% |
| 82 | Suspension unit fault | 0.06% |
| 83 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.06% |
| 84 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.05% |
| 85 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.05% |
| 86 | Driveshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 88 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 89 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 90 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.04% |
| 91 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 93 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 95 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Steering shaft fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 98 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 99 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 102 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 103 | Universal joint worn | 0.02% |
| 104 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 106 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 107 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 110 | Brake stationary pin worn | 0.02% |
| 111 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 112 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.01% |
| 114 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 115 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 116 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 118 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 124 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 125 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 126 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 152 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 153 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 154 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 155 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 159 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 160 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 163 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 164 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 166 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 167 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 169 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 172 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 172 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volvo 940 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volvo 940, 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 940 problems?
Based on analysis of 240K Volvo 940 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 37 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Exhaust system fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Volvo 940 generation has the most problems?
The Volvo 940 940 (1990-1998) (1990–1998) has the highest number of identified common problems (48). 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 940?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volvo 940 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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