2001 Volvo C70 — MOT failures & pass rate
1,501 MOT tests on the 2001 Volvo C70 are in this dataset, and 76.6% of them passed. Coupes & convertibles of a similar age fail at 22.5%, so the 2001 C70 sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, brakes and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (10.9%) and brakes (8.5%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, wipers and coil spring — headlamp aim alone was recorded 99 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 22.4% in the 30-60k band and 31.9% in the 150k+ band, a 9.6-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 30.9% of tests without failing them.
The trend is improving — the fail rate fell from 26.2% in 2021 to 22.8% in 2025, as the worst-kept examples leave the fleet.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 10.9% | 164 |
| 2 | Brakes | 8.5% | 127 |
| 3 | Suspension | 8.0% | 120 |
| 4 | Tyres | 5.5% | 82 |
| 5 | Steering | 4.2% | 63 |
| 6 | Visibility | 3.7% | 56 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 99 |
| 2 | Wipers | 58 |
| 3 | Coil spring | 56 |
| 4 | Headlamp | 55 |
| 5 | Service brake performance | 48 |
| 6 | Position lamp | 43 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 30.9% | 463 |
| 2 | Suspension | 27.3% | 409 |
| 3 | Tyres | 25.9% | 388 |
| 4 | Other defects | 21.7% | 326 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 21.3% | 319 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 16.9% | 254 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 219 | 22.4% |
| 60-90k | 374 | 19.0% |
| 90-120k | 420 | 22.1% |
| 120-150k | 302 | 27.5% |
| 150k+ | 166 | 31.9% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 428 | 26.2% |
| 2022 | 335 | 18.5% |
| 2023 | 290 | 22.4% |
| 2024 | 246 | 26.8% |
| 2025 | 202 | 22.8% |
What to check before buying a 2001 C70
On a 2001 C70, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 10.9% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (10.9% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Brakes (8.5% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
- Suspension (8.0% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2001 Volvo C70s pass their MOT?
76.6% of the 1,501 2001 Volvo C70 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 23.4% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2001 Volvo C70?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 10.9% of tests, followed by brakes (8.5%).
Does the 2001 C70 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 22.4% in the 30-60k band to 31.9% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,501 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.