2010 Volvo C70 — MOT failures & pass rate
4,901 MOT tests on the 2010 Volvo C70 are in this dataset, and 73.2% of them passed. Against coupes & convertibles of a similar age (19.1% fail rate), the 2010 C70 comes out 7.6pp worse. Failures cluster in suspension, lighting & signalling and tyres.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (11.9%) and lighting & signalling (10.1%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are coil spring, joints and position lamp — coil spring alone was recorded 349 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 13.0% in the 0-30k band and 32.8% in the 150k+ band, a 19.8-point spread — more than double.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 28.4% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 11.9% | 584 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 10.1% | 497 |
| 3 | Tyres | 8.6% | 420 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 5.7% | 279 |
| 5 | Brakes | 5.3% | 262 |
| 6 | Steering | 3.9% | 191 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring | 349 |
| 2 | Joints | 266 |
| 3 | Position lamp | 253 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 179 |
| 5 | Pins and bushes | 162 |
| 6 | Steering rack | 158 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 28.4% | 1,390 |
| 2 | Suspension | 24.2% | 1,184 |
| 3 | Brakes | 18.2% | 891 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 7.0% | 342 |
| 5 | Other defects | 7.0% | 341 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 5.7% | 281 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 138 | 13.0% |
| 30-60k | 875 | 21.7% |
| 60-90k | 1,644 | 25.6% |
| 90-120k | 1,381 | 30.9% |
| 120-150k | 660 | 28.8% |
| 150k+ | 201 | 32.8% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 4,531 | 27.1% |
| Petrol | 370 | 23.0% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,052 | 26.9% |
| 2022 | 1,000 | 24.0% |
| 2023 | 1,019 | 28.3% |
| 2024 | 945 | 27.3% |
| 2025 | 885 | 27.5% |
What to check before buying a 2010 C70
On a 2010 C70, suspension is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 11.9% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Suspension (11.9% 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.
- Lighting & signalling (10.1% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Tyres (8.6% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
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 2010 Volvo C70s pass their MOT?
73.2% of the 4,901 2010 Volvo C70 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 26.8% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2010 Volvo C70?
Suspension, recorded in 11.9% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (10.1%).
Does the 2010 C70 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 13.0% in the 0-30k band to 32.8% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 4,901 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.