2009 Volvo XC70 — MOT failures & pass rate
6,302 MOT tests on the 2009 Volvo XC70 are in this dataset, and 81.1% of them passed. Against large family cars of a similar age (25.3% fail rate), the 2009 XC70 comes out 6.3pp better. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
Lighting & signalling dominates the failure mix at 11.0% of all tests — 3.2 points clear of suspension, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, position lamp and washers — headlamp aim alone was recorded 287 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 13.9% in the 30-60k band and 22.5% in the 150k+ band, a 8.6-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 26.5% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 16.9% of tests failed in 2021 against 20.8% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 11.0% | 696 |
| 2 | Suspension | 7.9% | 496 |
| 3 | Visibility | 4.5% | 284 |
| 4 | Tyres | 4.3% | 273 |
| 5 | Brakes | 3.3% | 210 |
| 6 | Body, structure & corrosion | 2.0% | 128 |
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 | 287 |
| 2 | Position lamp | 251 |
| 3 | Washers | 221 |
| 4 | Coil spring | 155 |
| 5 | Brake pads | 140 |
| 6 | Individual direction indicators | 136 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 26.5% | 1,668 |
| 2 | Tyres | 23.7% | 1,495 |
| 3 | Brakes | 18.9% | 1,192 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 10.0% | 630 |
| 5 | Other defects | 8.8% | 552 |
| 6 | Visibility | 4.8% | 304 |
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 | 223 | 13.9% |
| 60-90k | 847 | 12.8% |
| 90-120k | 1,524 | 17.8% |
| 120-150k | 1,794 | 19.6% |
| 150k+ | 1,908 | 22.5% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 6,151 | 18.9% |
| Petrol | 151 | 21.2% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,287 | 16.9% |
| 2022 | 1,305 | 18.5% |
| 2023 | 1,288 | 20.0% |
| 2024 | 1,215 | 18.6% |
| 2025 | 1,207 | 20.8% |
What to check before buying a 2009 XC70
On a 2009 XC70, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 11.0% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (11.0% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (7.9% 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.
- Visibility (4.5% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
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 2009 Volvo XC70s pass their MOT?
81.1% of the 6,302 2009 Volvo XC70 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 18.9% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2009 Volvo XC70?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 11.0% of tests, followed by suspension (7.9%).
Does the 2009 XC70 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 13.9% in the 30-60k band to 22.5% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 6,302 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.