1995 Volvo 400 Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1995 Volvo 400 Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1995 Volvo 400 Series than on all cars registered in 1995.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints4.2× usual
  Volvo 400 Series

  18.9% All 1995 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.7% of all 1995 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.

• Sidelights2.7× usual
  Volvo 400 Series

  10.4% All 1995 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 3.2% of all 1995 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.3× usual
  Volvo 400 Series

  9.5% All 1995 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 4.1% of all 1995 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 1995 Volvo 400 Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Volvo 400 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  42% 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
  40% 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
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  23% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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.

• Tyres
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 Volvo 400 Series

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 4.2× as often on the 1995 Volvo 400 Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1995 Volvo 400 Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1995 Volvo 400 Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?