Used car guide

2016 Volvo V70: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Volvo V70s, from 756 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

756MOT tests in 2025
81%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
8,800typical miles a year
29%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2016 Volvo V70 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    29% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    22% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    11% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    11% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    3% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Looking at a Volvo V70?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20152,001Tyres 30%
20141,957Tyres 32%
20131,725Tyres 32%
20121,539Suspension 35%
20112,037Tyres 35%
20102,749Suspension 39%
20093,454Suspension 42%
20083,116Suspension 46%
20072,429Suspension 48%
20062,386Suspension 47%
20052,999Suspension 48%
20042,507Suspension 50%
20032,153Suspension 52%
20021,911Suspension 53%
20011,293Suspension 49%
20001,079Suspension 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Volvo V70s registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score