2003 Volvo XC70 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Volvo XC70 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Volvo XC70 diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.7× usual
  Volvo XC70

  23.6% All 2003 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Steering rack inner joints3.6× usual
  Volvo XC70

  12.3% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3× usual
  Volvo XC70

  10.3% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Number plate lights1.9× usual
  Volvo XC70

  14.9% All 2003 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 2.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Sidelights2.1× usual
  Volvo XC70

  13.2% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.8%, against 5.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2003 Volvo XC70 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Volvo XC70 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  59% 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
  41% 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
  40% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% 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.

• Steering
  19% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Volvo XC70 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2003 Volvo XC70 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2003 Volvo XC70 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2003 Volvo XC70 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?