At a Glance
The Volvo P1800 has 2 identified common problems across 1 generation (1961–1973), with the P1800 (1961-1973) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 6K 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 P1800 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 P1800 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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Tell Us About Your Problem
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Browse Volvo P1800 Generations
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Most Common Volvo P1800 MOT Failures
Every reason Volvo P1800 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 | Windscreen washer not working | 8.41% |
| 2 | Headlamp aim defect | 7.74% |
| 3 | Suspension mounting corroded | 7.07% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.96% |
| 5 | Indicator fault | 4.93% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.86% |
| 7 | Chassis condition | 4.69% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 4.60% |
| 9 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.97% |
| 10 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.66% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.19% |
| 12 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.77% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.72% |
| 14 | Track rod end worn | 2.59% |
| 15 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.50% |
| 16 | Parking brake condition | 2.10% |
| 17 | Tyre condition | 1.96% |
| 18 | Rear lamp not working | 1.70% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.65% |
| 20 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 1.52% |
| 21 | Horn not working | 1.45% |
| 22 | Drag link end worn | 1.07% |
| 23 | Position lamp not working | 1.00% |
| 24 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.94% |
| 25 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.91% |
| 26 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.74% |
| 27 | Brake pedal fault | 0.67% |
| 28 | Seat belt condition | 0.65% |
| 29 | Steering box fault | 0.65% |
| 30 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.56% |
| 31 | Front suspension fault | 0.56% |
| 32 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.54% |
| 33 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.51% |
| 34 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.51% |
| 35 | Brake fluid leak | 0.49% |
| 36 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.49% |
| 37 | Brake caliper fault | 0.47% |
| 38 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.47% |
| 39 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.45% |
| 40 | Headlamp fault | 0.40% |
| 41 | Steering lock fault | 0.40% |
| 42 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.33% |
| 43 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.29% |
| 44 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.29% |
| 45 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.25% |
| 46 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.25% |
| 47 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.25% |
| 48 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.22% |
| 49 | Rear suspension fault | 0.22% |
| 50 | Steering free play excessive | 0.22% |
| 51 | Steering arm worn | 0.20% |
| 52 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.18% |
| 53 | Electrical switch fault | 0.18% |
| 54 | Steering operation fault | 0.18% |
| 55 | Steering coupling worn | 0.18% |
| 56 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.16% |
| 57 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.16% |
| 58 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.16% |
| 59 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.13% |
| 60 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.13% |
| 61 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.13% |
| 62 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.11% |
| 63 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.11% |
| 64 | Steering column fault | 0.11% |
| 65 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 66 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.11% |
| 67 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.09% |
| 68 | Speedometer fault | 0.09% |
| 69 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.09% |
| 70 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.09% |
| 71 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 72 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.07% |
| 73 | Brake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 74 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.07% |
| 75 | Fog lamp not working | 0.07% |
| 76 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 77 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.07% |
| 78 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 79 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.07% |
| 80 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 81 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.04% |
| 82 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | 0.04% |
| 84 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 85 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 86 | Steering shaft fault | 0.04% |
| 87 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 88 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.04% |
| 89 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.04% |
| 90 | Additional braking device fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.02% |
| 92 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 93 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake slack adjuster fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 96 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.02% |
| 97 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 104 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 105 | Steering rack fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 107 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 108 | Transmission oil leak | 0.02% |
Showing all 108 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volvo P1800 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volvo P1800, 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 P1800 problems?
Based on analysis of 6K Volvo P1800 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 2 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 P1800 generation has the most problems?
The Volvo P1800 P1800 (1961-1973) (1961–1973) has the highest number of identified common problems (3). 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 P1800?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volvo P1800 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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