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Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) (1974-1993) reliability

At a glance

Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) built before 2000: about average at the MOT

Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) models built before 2000 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

27% of MOT tests on Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) models built before 2000 involves the suspension.

Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate1974-1993SaloonPETROL

Based on 1,518 tests of 240 models registered 1974-1993.

About 1 in 7 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) MOTs (14.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,518 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) MOTs (5.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Based on 1,518 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Classic (P242/P244/P245) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
1,51827.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

How the 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) compares

At each age below, see how the 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 13,395 tests across 11 Volvo models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolvo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
1,51827.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245).

  1. 1

    Nissan Skyline

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.8%
    Dangerous
    2.1%

    Lower fail rate: 10.7%, against 27.1% for the Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245), both built before 2000.

    1,007 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Morris Minor 1000

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.8%
    Dangerous
    4.8%

    Lower fail rate: 18.5%, against 27.1% for the Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245), both built before 2000.

    1,272 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Jaguar XJ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.8%

    Lower fail rate: 21.2%, against 27.1% for the Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245), both built before 2000.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,238 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    BMW 3 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.8%

    Lower fail rate: 22.8%, against 27.1% for the Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245), both built before 2000.

    15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,892 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Volvo 240 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

What has gone wrong on 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,417 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
44%
Emissions
34%
Bodywork
23%
Steering
14%

Wear items

Lighting
52%
Brakes
42%
Tyres
25%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 23% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol 240 tests (not specific to Classic (P242/P244/P245)).

1.4 to 2.0 litres28.0%847 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres26.1%671 tests
Classic (P242/P244/P245) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Volvo 240 models of this age

This list covers every Volvo 240 built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Classic (P242/P244/P245) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    19.2%
    Advisory: 332Fail: 5 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    15.2%
    Advisory: 327Fail: 72 (18% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    13.8%
    Advisory: 192Fail: 41 (18% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension mounting area corroded, but not seriously

    8.9%
    Advisory: 138Fail: 87 (39% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    8.2%
    Advisory: 238Fail: 12 (5% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,523 tests

Looking at a Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Volvo 240 Classic (P242/P244/P245) (1974-1993) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,518 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 1,518 MOT tests on Volvo 240 models first registered between 1974-1993. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.