1997 Volvo V70 · 1,101 MOT tests
1997 Volvo V70 reliability
1997 Volvo V70s fail 40.2% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 20 V70 years (1,101 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V70s: 36.2%)
- 40.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo V70s: 36.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 0% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 163,835
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,101
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 6.6% of tests fail here (47% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 59% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Volvo V70
Fail rate by area
- Brakes17.7%
- Lights and electrics16.1%
- Suspension13.7%
- Body, chassis and structure11.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.9%
- Tyres6.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 6.81%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.18%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 6.09%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.36%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.27%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Parking brake inoperative on one side 4.18%
The parking brake does not work on one side, so the car may not hold on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (18.98%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.62%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.53%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.26%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.81%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.81%)
Other years
Every Volvo V70 year
The full picture: Volvo V70 reliability. Before you pay for any Volvo V70, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1997 Volvo V70 reliable?
1997 Volvo V70s fail 40.2% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 20 V70 years (1,101 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Volvo V70 MOT?
Most often abs warning lamp shows a fault (6.81% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (6.18% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (6.09% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Volvo V70 have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Volvo V70 shows 163,835 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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