Used car guide

2016 Volvo XC70: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Volvo XC70s, from 1,020 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,020MOT tests in 2025
79%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
9,100typical miles a year
29%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2016 Volvo XC70 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.

  • Suspension
    19% 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.

  • Brakes
    19% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    12% 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
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Steering
    3% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Volvo XC70?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20151,611Tyres 25%
20141,741Tyres 26%
20131,574Tyres 28%
20121,298Suspension 32%
20111,799Suspension 36%
20101,365Suspension 35%
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 2016 Volvo XC70s registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score