Volvo S60 (2004)
2004 Volvo S60
CarHunch analysed 5,701 real MOT records for the 2004 Volvo S60. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2004 Volvo S60 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 72.4%, which sits noticeably below the UK average of 80%—a meaningful gap that suggests reliability challenges for this generation. More concerning, 39.3% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above the danger threshold and a serious red flag for prospective buyers.
These S60s are running at a median mileage of 107,602 miles, which is reasonable for their age, but they're averaging 4.83 failures and 20.4 advisories per test, indicating corrosion, component wear, and electrical gremlins are rife. Before purchasing one, have a trusted mechanic inspect the suspension, cooling system, and electrical architecture; this model demands hands-on vetting rather than trust in badge alone.
What to check before buying a 2004 Volvo S60
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 39.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Volvo S60
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (64%) | 3,625 | 72.3% | 4.79 |
| Petrol (36%) | 2,052 | 72.5% | 4.88 |
| LPG (0%) | 20 | 71.1% | 4.85 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) | 3 | 69.9% | 5.67 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 53.9% | 12 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2004 Volvo S60 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2004 Volvo S60 vehicles fall between 86,180 and 131,133 miles.
2004 Volvo S60 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 818 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (18% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2004 Volvo S60
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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78.3%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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77%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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53.7%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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50.1%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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38.3%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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36.6%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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33.5%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
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30.5%
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2004. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Volvo S60?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.