1999 Volvo V70 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Volvo V70 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Volvo V70 diesel than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Steering rack inner joints4.4× usual
  Volvo V70

  14.9% All 1999 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1999 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.

• Tread depth1.8× usual
  Volvo V70

  22% All 1999 cars

  12.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 1.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Volvo V70

  14.3% All 1999 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 1.9% of all 1999 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2.3× usual
  Volvo V70

  14% All 1999 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Steering rack4.2× usual
  Volvo V70

  8.8% All 1999 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1.2% of all 1999 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 1999 Volvo V70 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Volvo V70 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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
  38% 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
  36% 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
  34% 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
  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.

• Steering
  17% 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 1999 Volvo V70 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 steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 1999 Volvo V70 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 1999 Volvo V70 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1999 Volvo V70 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?