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Volvo XC70 SZ (2nd gen) (2007-2016) reliability

At a glance

Volvo XC70 SZ (2nd gen) built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Volvo XC70 SZ (2nd gen) models built around 2016 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Volvo XC70 SZ (2nd gen) right now?

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

Key figure

17% of MOT tests on Volvo XC70 SZ (2nd gen) models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 17% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volvo XC70 SZ (2nd gen) models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

Volvo XC70 SZ (2nd gen)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2007-2016EstateDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 16,868 tests of XC70 models registered 2007-2016.

About 1 in 50 XC70 SZ (2nd gen) MOTs (2.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,636 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 XC70 SZ (2nd gen) MOTs (4.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 1,636 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

SZ (2nd gen) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
35116.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,63617.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,08518.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,90617.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,86321.7%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,84923.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,13724.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,56724.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,21125.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,34625.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
91731.4%

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 18 years old.

How the XC70 SZ (2nd gen) compares

At each age below, see how the XC70 SZ (2nd gen) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 52,541 tests across 10 Volvo models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolvo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
35116.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,63617.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,08518.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,90617.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,86321.7%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,84923.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
2,13724.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
1,56724.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,21125.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,34625.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
91731.4%

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.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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 estates to compare

Other estates, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the XC70 SZ (2nd gen).

  1. 1

    MINI Clubman

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3%
    Dangerous
    5.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.7%

    No clear edge over the Volvo XC70 SZ (2nd gen) on these figures.

    7,294 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

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.

How many are still registered

98%of all Volvo XC70 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · More than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

39 recalls in all

11 of the 39 XC70 SZ (2nd gen) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 10 more

Top concerns

  • Driver's airbag module may not deploy as intended
  • There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system which may result in insufficient cooling of engine componen
  • There is a risk for trapped air to be in the cooling system

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How XC70 SZ (2nd gen) cars have aged

How XC70 SZ (2nd gen) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%57911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (882 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (890 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (880 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (918 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (872 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (1,201 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (1,222 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (1,214 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (1,184 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (1,157 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (1,236 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (1,225 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (1,186 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (1,185 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (1,141 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (1,241 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (1,207 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (1,160 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (1,160 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (1,141 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (1,027 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (1,005 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (1,011 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (996 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (934 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (1,422 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (1,427 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (1,402 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (1,378 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (1,432 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 20.3% (1,105 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (1,071 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (1,074 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (1,047 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (1,010 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (764 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (774 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (761 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (699 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (687 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (810 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (784 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (796 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (748 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (675 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (1,244 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (1,127 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (1,047 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (938 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (917 tests, 2025 data)2007
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
SZ (2nd gen) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Volvo XC70 models of this age

This list covers every Volvo XC70 built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the SZ (2nd gen) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    19.4%
    Advisory: 498Fail: 18 (3% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    9.7%
    Advisory: 245Fail: 17 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    8.9%
    Advisory: 190Fail: 40 (17% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    8.9%
    Advisory: 152Fail: 34 (18% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    8.8%
    Advisory: 200Fail: 1 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,636 tests

Looking at a Volvo XC70 SZ (2nd gen) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Volvo XC70 SZ (2nd gen) (2007-2016) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,636 9-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 16,868 MOT tests on Volvo XC70 models first registered between 2007-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.