1996 Volvo 900 Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Volvo 900 Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Volvo 900 Series than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  19.9% All 1996 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.6% of all 1996 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.

• Battery3.3× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  6.6% All 1996 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.6% of all 1996 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.9× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  8.4% All 1996 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.8% of all 1996 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.

• Brake pads2× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  7.3% All 1996 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.8% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Steering rack inner joints2.2× usual
  Volvo 900 Series

  6% All 1996 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1996 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.

Common 1996 Volvo 900 Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Volvo 900 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  32% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  25% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  25% 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
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 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 2.2× as often on the 1996 Volvo 900 Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the battery? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1996 Volvo 900 Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1996 Volvo 900 Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?