Volvo 240 statistics

• Licensed in Great Britain 1,015 −1.3% on a year earlier
• Declared SORN 2,003 Off the road, not taxed
• MOT first-time pass rate, 2025 65.8% Cars of the same ages 61.0%
• Rank by number licensed No. 689 of 1,159 models we cover
• Licensed in 1994 83,232 when this data begins
• Average annual mileage 2,007 miles a year

How many Volvo 240s are left in Great Britain?

There were 1,015 Volvo 240s licensed in Great Britain at the end of March 2026, and a further 2,003 declared off the road (SORN). That is 98.8% fewer than the 83,232 licensed in 1994, when this data begins.

Volvo 240 versions

3 versions of the Volvo 240 have their own page. The figures above include every version; each version page covers only the cars DVLA records under that version’s name.

Volvo 240 MOT reliability

In 2025, 65.8% of Volvo 240 MOT tests were passed first time, against 72.8% for all cars. Cars of the same ages as the Volvo 240s tested pass 61.0% of the time, so the Volvo 240 does better than average for its age, by 4.8 points. In 2024 its pass rate was 64.0%.

Volvo 240 MOT failures

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the most common reason a Volvo 240 fails its MOT, appearing on 54.6% of failed tests. A failed test can have defects in more than one category, so shares add up to more than 100%. 6.5% of Volvo 240 tests found at least one dangerous defect, against 7.3% for all cars.

Most common Volvo 240 MOT defects and advisories

The single most common reason a Volvo 240 failed its MOT in 2025 was “Stop lamp: not working”, on 11.6% of 414 failed tests. 59.6% of tests ended with at least one advisory, a problem to watch that did not fail the test; the most common was “Engine oil leak, but not excessive”. The same fault on any wheel or side counts once.

Volvo 240 engine sizes and fuel types

Of the 1,035 Volvo 240s licensed in the UK at the end of 2025, 54.9% have an engine of 1,901cc to 2,000cc, and 38.1% have an engine of 2,301cc to 2,400cc.

United Kingdom figures from DfT table VEH0220 (licensed cars at the end of each year, SORN excluded), so they differ slightly from the Great Britain counts elsewhere on this page. How we use engine sizes.

Volvo 240 safety recalls

We found no recalls for the Volvo 240 in DVSA’s records since 1992. That does not mean none apply: DVSA sometimes records a recall under a range or chassis name we cannot match to a model. Check a specific car on GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check.

A recall applies to cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, not to every Volvo 240. The details come from manufacturers through DVSA, which says they may be delayed or incomplete. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check or ask the manufacturer or a dealer. How we match recalls to models.

Compare the Volvo 240 with other Volvo models