At a Glance
The Volvo Xc70 has 20 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Mk1 (2000-2007) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 259K 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 Xc70 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 Xc70 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Volvo Xc70 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Volvo Xc70 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Volvo Xc70?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Volvo Xc70 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Volvo Xc70 MOT Failures
Every reason Volvo Xc70 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 | 13.05% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 9.48% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 8.03% |
| 4 | Front lamp not working | 6.14% |
| 5 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.11% |
| 6 | Brake pads or linings worn | 5.23% |
| 7 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.16% |
| 8 | Track rod end worn | 4.64% |
| 9 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 4.48% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.07% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 2.50% |
| 12 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.50% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.26% |
| 14 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.20% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.94% |
| 16 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.77% |
| 17 | Indicator fault | 1.63% |
| 18 | Driveshaft fault | 1.49% |
| 19 | Stop lamp not working | 1.37% |
| 20 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.28% |
| 21 | Exhaust system fault | 1.12% |
| 22 | Headlamp fault | 1.09% |
| 23 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.04% |
| 24 | Parking brake condition | 0.93% |
| 25 | Seat belt condition | 0.82% |
| 26 | Steering rack fault | 0.78% |
| 27 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.76% |
| 28 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.54% |
| 29 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.51% |
| 30 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.51% |
| 31 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.49% |
| 32 | ABS fault | 0.45% |
| 33 | Airbag warning light on | 0.43% |
| 34 | Fog lamp not working | 0.31% |
| 35 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.29% |
| 36 | Rear suspension fault | 0.28% |
| 37 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.28% |
| 38 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.24% |
| 39 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.23% |
| 40 | Rear lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 41 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 42 | Horn not working | 0.19% |
| 43 | Brake pedal fault | 0.18% |
| 44 | Front suspension fault | 0.16% |
| 45 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.15% |
| 46 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.14% |
| 47 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.13% |
| 48 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.13% |
| 49 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.13% |
| 50 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 51 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 52 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.12% |
| 53 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.10% |
| 54 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 55 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 56 | Steering arm worn | 0.10% |
| 57 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.09% |
| 58 | Steering free play excessive | 0.09% |
| 59 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 60 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.09% |
| 61 | Drag link end worn | 0.08% |
| 62 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.08% |
| 63 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.07% |
| 64 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.07% |
| 65 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 66 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.07% |
| 67 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 68 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.06% |
| 69 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.06% |
| 70 | Propshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 72 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.04% |
| 73 | Brake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 74 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 75 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 76 | Electrical switch fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 78 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.04% |
| 79 | Driver door fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 81 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.03% |
| 85 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 90 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 91 | Brake fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 92 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 94 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 96 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 98 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Handbrake fails on gradient | 0.01% |
| 103 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 108 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 109 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 113 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 116 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 119 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 121 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 125 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 129 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 137 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 138 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 139 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 142 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 147 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 150 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 157 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 158 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volvo Xc70 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volvo Xc70, 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.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volvo Xc70 problems?
Based on analysis of 259K Volvo Xc70 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 20 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Position lamp not working". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Volvo Xc70 generation has the most problems?
The Volvo Xc70 Mk1 (2000-2007) (2000–2007) has the highest number of identified common problems (21). 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 Xc70?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volvo Xc70 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
Popular makes with common problems
Popular models with common problems
Mercedes-benz 208d
86 problems
Vauxhall Calibra
73 problems
London Taxis Int Tx4
82 problems
Ldv Pilot
72 problems
Citroen 2cv
87 problems
Ford Transit
125 problems
Citroen Saxo
84 problems
Mercedes-benz Vito
78 problems
Mercedes-benz Sprinter
104 problems
Suzuki Vitara
71 problems
Nissan Terrano Ii
67 problems
Ford Ka
81 problems
