Used car guide

2010 Volvo XC70: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Volvo XC70s, from 1,365 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,365MOT tests in 2025
70%pass first time (all 2010 cars: 59%)
9,300typical miles a year
35%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2010 Volvo XC70 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    35% 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.

  • Tyres
    30% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    25% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    7% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Looking at a Volvo XC70?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20161,020Tyres 29%
20151,611Tyres 25%
20141,741Tyres 26%
20131,574Tyres 28%
20121,298Suspension 32%
20111,799Suspension 36%
2009978Suspension 38%
2008937Suspension 46%
20071,155Suspension 52%
20061,029Suspension 54%
20051,102Suspension 56%
2004612Suspension 58%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Volvo XC70s registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score