2011 Volvo XC60 — MOT failures & pass rate
28,022 MOT tests on the 2011 Volvo XC60 are in this dataset, and 79.9% of them passed. Mid-size SUVs of a similar age fail 24.0% of the time, so this is 3.9pp better than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in suspension, lighting & signalling and tyres.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — suspension (9.4%) and lighting & signalling (9.2%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are coil spring, headlamp aim and tread depth — coil spring alone was recorded 2,062 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 13.5% in the 0-30k band and 23.2% in the 150k+ band, a 9.7-point spread.
Split by fuel, diesel examples fail 3.5pp more often than petrol ones (20.1% vs 16.6%) — worth weighing if you have a choice.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 25.4% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 9.4% | 2,632 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 9.2% | 2,584 |
| 3 | Tyres | 4.7% | 1,311 |
| 4 | Brakes | 4.1% | 1,161 |
| 5 | Visibility | 2.6% | 728 |
| 6 | Steering | 2.0% | 551 |
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 | 2,062 |
| 2 | Headlamp aim | 1,280 |
| 3 | Tread depth | 976 |
| 4 | Brake pads | 790 |
| 5 | Headlamp | 565 |
| 6 | Track rod end | 514 |
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 | 25.4% | 7,113 |
| 2 | Brakes | 19.7% | 5,507 |
| 3 | Suspension | 16.9% | 4,726 |
| 4 | Other defects | 10.8% | 3,019 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 8.9% | 2,489 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 5.2% | 1,469 |
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 | 74 | 13.5% |
| 30-60k | 1,338 | 14.0% |
| 60-90k | 5,193 | 17.5% |
| 90-120k | 9,216 | 19.7% |
| 120-150k | 7,311 | 21.5% |
| 150k+ | 4,884 | 23.2% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 27,474 | 20.1% |
| Petrol | 548 | 16.6% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,791 | 19.9% |
| 2022 | 5,704 | 19.0% |
| 2023 | 5,638 | 19.7% |
| 2024 | 5,534 | 20.6% |
| 2025 | 5,355 | 21.2% |
What to check before buying a 2011 XC60
On a 2011 XC60, suspension is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 9.4% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Suspension (9.4% 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 (9.2% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Tyres (4.7% 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 2011 Volvo XC60s pass their MOT?
79.9% of the 28,022 2011 Volvo XC60 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 20.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2011 Volvo XC60?
Suspension, recorded in 9.4% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (9.2%).
Does the 2011 XC60 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 13.5% in the 0-30k band to 23.2% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 28,022 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.