1991 Volvo 900 Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1991 Volvo 900 Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1991 Volvo 900 Series than on all cars registered in 1991.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  18.9% All 1991 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.3% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Steering rack inner joints4.2× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  9.6% All 1991 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1991 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 bushes5.5× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  7.2% All 1991 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  12% All 1991 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.4% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Battery3.3× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  7.2% All 1991 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.6% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the car starts cleanly and there are no warning lights once running.

Common 1991 Volvo 900 Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1991 Volvo 900 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% 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
  32% 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
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  23% 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
  23% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 Volvo 900 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 exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1991 Volvo 900 Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 1991 Volvo 900 Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the 1991 Volvo 900 Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?