At a Glance
The Volvo 960 has 33 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 960 (1990-1998) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 51K 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 960 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 960 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 960 Generations
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Most Common Volvo 960 MOT Failures
Every reason Volvo 960 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 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 16.43% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 12.51% |
| 3 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.89% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.82% |
| 5 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.82% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.80% |
| 7 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 4.46% |
| 8 | Front lamp not working | 3.62% |
| 9 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.36% |
| 10 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.69% |
| 11 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.56% |
| 12 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.27% |
| 13 | Tyre condition | 2.15% |
| 14 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.13% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 1.80% |
| 16 | Stop lamp not working | 1.76% |
| 17 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.60% |
| 18 | Exhaust system fault | 1.50% |
| 19 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.48% |
| 20 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.23% |
| 21 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.17% |
| 22 | Steering rack fault | 1.06% |
| 23 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.97% |
| 24 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.90% |
| 25 | Rear lamp not working | 0.77% |
| 26 | Position lamp not working | 0.72% |
| 27 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.68% |
| 28 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.64% |
| 29 | Fog lamp not working | 0.63% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.59% |
| 31 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.50% |
| 32 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.43% |
| 33 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.43% |
| 34 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.43% |
| 35 | Airbag warning light on | 0.38% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.37% |
| 37 | Parking brake condition | 0.35% |
| 38 | Steering free play excessive | 0.35% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.34% |
| 40 | Brake fluid leak | 0.29% |
| 41 | Chassis condition | 0.29% |
| 42 | Indicator fault | 0.29% |
| 43 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.28% |
| 44 | Steering coupling worn | 0.27% |
| 45 | Headlamp fault | 0.26% |
| 46 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.25% |
| 47 | Brake lever fault | 0.24% |
| 48 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 49 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.19% |
| 50 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.17% |
| 51 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.17% |
| 52 | Rear suspension fault | 0.16% |
| 53 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 54 | Front suspension fault | 0.15% |
| 55 | Driveshaft fault | 0.14% |
| 56 | Horn not working | 0.14% |
| 57 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 58 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.14% |
| 59 | Brake pedal fault | 0.14% |
| 60 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 61 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.13% |
| 62 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.13% |
| 63 | Power steering ram fault | 0.13% |
| 64 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.13% |
| 65 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 66 | Body security fault | 0.11% |
| 67 | Electrical switch fault | 0.11% |
| 68 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 69 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.11% |
| 70 | Drag link end worn | 0.10% |
| 71 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.10% |
| 72 | Power steering pump fault | 0.09% |
| 73 | Suspension unit fault | 0.09% |
| 74 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 75 | Steering operation fault | 0.08% |
| 76 | Steering arm worn | 0.07% |
| 77 | Driver seat fault | 0.07% |
| 78 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.07% |
| 79 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 80 | Steering lock fault | 0.06% |
| 81 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 82 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.05% |
| 84 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.05% |
| 87 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 88 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 89 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 91 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 93 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.04% |
| 94 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 95 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 96 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 97 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 99 | Steering shaft fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.02% |
| 102 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.02% |
| 103 | Universal joint worn | 0.02% |
| 104 | Brake stationary pin worn | 0.02% |
| 105 | Brake valve fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 113 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 115 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 116 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 118 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 119 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.01% |
| 120 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 121 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 124 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 128 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 132 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 135 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 136 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 137 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 139 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 143 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 148 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 148 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volvo 960 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volvo 960, 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 960 problems?
Based on analysis of 51K Volvo 960 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 33 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Exhaust system fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Volvo 960 generation has the most problems?
The Volvo 960 960 (1990-1998) (1990–1998) has the highest number of identified common problems (39). 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 960?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volvo 960 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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