2015 Volvo S80 — MOT failures & pass rate
2,265 MOT tests on the 2015 Volvo S80 are in this dataset, and 86.7% of them passed. Executive cars of a similar age fail at 14.1%, so the 2015 S80 sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in tyres, brakes and steering.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (5.2%) and brakes (3.7%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are track rod end, brake pads and headlamp aim — track rod end alone was recorded 77 times.
Mileage matters less than usual here: the 2015 S80 fails 7.6% of the time in the 0-30k band and 11.3% at 150k+, a spread of only 3.7 points.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 24.4% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 9.2% of tests failed in 2021 against 16.2% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 5.2% | 117 |
| 2 | Brakes | 3.7% | 84 |
| 3 | Steering | 2.9% | 66 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 2.9% | 65 |
| 5 | Visibility | 2.0% | 46 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 1.9% | 43 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Track rod end | 77 |
| 2 | Brake pads | 74 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 36 |
| 4 | Malfunction indicator lamp | 31 |
| 5 | Wipers | 26 |
| 6 | Tread depth | 26 |
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 | 24.4% | 552 |
| 2 | Brakes | 18.1% | 409 |
| 3 | Other defects | 5.0% | 114 |
| 4 | Suspension | 4.9% | 112 |
| 5 | Steering | 3.2% | 72 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 3.1% | 70 |
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 | 131 | 7.6% |
| 30-60k | 646 | 10.5% |
| 60-90k | 750 | 13.6% |
| 90-120k | 414 | 17.6% |
| 120-150k | 174 | 17.8% |
| 150k+ | 150 | 11.3% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 434 | 9.2% |
| 2022 | 457 | 12.7% |
| 2023 | 454 | 13.7% |
| 2024 | 464 | 14.4% |
| 2025 | 456 | 16.2% |
What to check before buying a 2015 S80
On a 2015 S80, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 5.2% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (5.2% 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.
- Brakes (3.7% 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.
- Steering (2.9% of tests): Play, leaks or worn track rod ends — affects handling and is a safety item. Typical repair: £150–£500.
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 2015 Volvo S80s pass their MOT?
86.7% of the 2,265 2015 Volvo S80 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 13.3% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2015 Volvo S80?
Tyres, recorded in 5.2% of tests, followed by brakes (3.7%).
Does the 2015 S80 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 7.6% in the 0-30k band to 11.3% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 2,265 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.