2003 Volvo XC70 · 1,727 MOT tests
2003 Volvo XC70 reliability
2003 Volvo XC70s fail 45.6% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 14 XC70 years (1,727 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2003 Volvo XC70?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo XC70s: 29.9%)
- 45.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Volvo XC70s: 29.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 161,370
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,727
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: about average for its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: brakes, 20.2% of tests fail here (22% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 65% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Volvo XC70
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics25.1%
- Brakes20.2%
- Suspension19.2%
- Body, chassis and structure7.1%
- Steering6.5%
- Tyres6.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 9.9%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 4.63%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 3.76%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.65%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.65%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Registration plate lamp not working 3.13%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (17.49%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.58%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (14.01%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.74%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (11.06%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (6.89%)
Other years
Every Volvo XC70 year
The full picture: Volvo XC70 reliability. Before you pay for any Volvo XC70, 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 2003 Volvo XC70 reliable?
2003 Volvo XC70s fail 45.6% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 14 XC70 years (1,727 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Volvo XC70 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (9.9% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (4.63% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (3.76% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Volvo XC70 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Volvo XC70 shows 161,370 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Check a 2003 Volvo XC70 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.