MOT failure data · 2025
Volvo 800 Series MOT problems
Across every Volvo 800 Series that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was joints constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt, on 5.8% of failure items. The broadest problem area was brakes at 22.78%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Volvo 800 Series MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joints constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Body, chassis, structure | 5.8% |
| 2 | Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively | Visibility | 4.27% |
| 3 | Rbt (sp) efficiency below requirements | Brakes | 4.27% |
| 4 | Ball joint ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.98% |
| 5 | Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an abs fault | Brakes | 3.63% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 5 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Volvo 800 Series, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Volvo 800 Series buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Volvo 800 Series?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Volvo models
- Volvo XC60 MOT problems
- Volvo V40 MOT problems
- Volvo XC40 MOT problems
- Volvo XC90 MOT problems
- Volvo V70 MOT problems
- Volvo V60 MOT problems
Volvo 800 Series MOT FAQs
What does a Volvo 800 Series most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Volvo 800 Series cars failing their 2025 MOT was "joints constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt", appearing on 5.8% of failure items.
Does this mean my Volvo 800 Series will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Volvo 800 Series that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Volvo 800 Series passed 68.74% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Volvo 800 Series's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Volvo 800 Series MOT pass rate · used Volvo 800 Series buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.