2009 Volvo XC70 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 67.9% of Volvo XC70s first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. Across 3,021 XC70 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen).
This page analyses first MOT tests for Volvo XC70s first used in 2009 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2009 Volvo XC70 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, XC70s first used in 2009 against all cars first used in 2009 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the XC70 figure was 9.6 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2009 XC70 | All cars first used 2009 | XC70 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 74.2% | 60.5% | 1,077 |
| 2022 | 70.8% | 60.1% | 1,080 |
| 2023 | 68.7% | 59.0% | 1,041 |
| 2024 | 70.6% | 58.4% | 1,006 |
| 2025 | 67.9% | 58.3% | 974 |
Common 2009 Volvo XC70 MOT failures
Share of the 935 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working | 16.3% | 152 |
| Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid | 10.4% | 97 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 9.1% | 85 |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 8.1% | 76 |
| Headlamp aim: too low | 7.0% | 65 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for an XC70 in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2009 Volvo XC70 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Wipers and windscreen. Worth checking that the wipers clear the screen cleanly, that the washers work, and that there are no chips or cracks in the driver’s view.
Common 2009 Volvo XC70 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2009 XC70s, as a share of all 3,021 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 17.4% | 526 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.0% | 273 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 8.8% | 266 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 8.4% | 253 |
| Coil spring: corroded | 7.7% | 233 |
Questions about the 2009 Volvo XC70 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2009 Volvo XC70?
In 2025, 67.9% of XC70s first used in 2009 passed their MOT first time, against 58.3% for all cars first used in 2009. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2009 XC70 most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 45.7% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (35.2%) and visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) (18.1%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (16.3%).
How often does a 2009 Volvo XC70 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 32.1% of first tests on XC70s first used in 2009 did not pass first time: 25.7% failed, and a further 6.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 935 of 3,021 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2009 Volvo XC70 MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 17.4% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.0%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (8.8%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (8.4%) and “Coil spring: corroded” (7.7%).
Is a 2009 Volvo XC70 reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 74.2% in 2021 to 67.9% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2009
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2009 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2009 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2009 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2009 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2009 XC70?
The numbers above cover every XC70 first used in 2009 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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