1997 Volvo S70 2.4L Petrol · P838 AWX
1997 Volvo S70 (2.4L, petrol). First registered 26 Feb 1997. Recorded mileage 140,384 miles. MOT valid until 22 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLVO S70
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 140,384 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
P838 AWX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/06/2026
- 140,384 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P838 AWX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 Volvo S70 (P838 AWX) between January 2024 and June 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 24 June 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (12 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 26 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))”; “Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))”.
P838 AWX Mileage History
- 08/01/2024132,582 mi
- 12/04/2024132,632 mi+50 mi
- 18/04/2024132,635 mi+3 mi
- 09/06/2025138,053 mi+5,418 mi
- 24/06/2026140,384 mi+2,331 mi
Average of roughly 3,174 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Volvo Volvo S70
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Common Problems: VOLVO S70
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- P80-platform sill and rear-corner corrosion(Serious)
Owners replacing sills on P80 cars (850, S70 and first-generation V70) describe right-hand sills that have simply disappeared behind the trim, with rust hiding in the box sections and chassis legs. The Volvo Owners' Club rust guide lists sill drain holes blocking and rot creeping forward to the front wing joint - the same failure pattern seen repeatedly on S70s at inspections. Structural corrosion in these areas is an MOT failure, and proper welding repairs run into four figures.
- Ignition system faults - misfire, poor hot starting, no spark(Moderate)
The S70 uses the same five-cylinder modular ignition as the late 850, and Volvo Owners' Club threads show owners chasing random misfires through cap, rotor, leads and finally the coil itself when a partial failure keeps the car running rough at low revs. The club’s ignition troubleshooting guide covers distributor shaft wear, amplifier (power stage) failure and Hall-sensor faults - all on this car - that leave you stranded after a hot soak. A methodical check with a spark tester sorts it for £150-£400 in most cases.
- Cambelt or timing belt failure on the five-cylinder engine(Serious)
The S70 shares the 850's transverse five-cylinder petrol engines, which are interference designs: a snapped or jumped cambelt stops the engine and typically bends valves and damages pistons. Volvo specified cambelt and tensioner renewal at around 60,000-80,000 miles or five years, and Volvo Owners Club threads describe S70 owners renewing belts late, with tensioner and idler bearing wear the usual warning signs. Belt wear is hidden behind the timing covers, so a missing belt history is the main risk when buying a used S70.
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VOLVO S70 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1997 model year cars.
- P80-platform sill and rear-corner corrosionSerious
Owners replacing sills on P80 cars (850, S70 and first-generation V70) describe right-hand sills that have simply disappeared behind the trim, with rust hiding in the box sections and chassis legs. The Volvo Owners' Club rust guide lists sill drain holes blocking and rot creeping forward to the front wing joint - the same failure pattern seen repeatedly on S70s at inspections. Structural corrosion in these areas is an MOT failure, and proper welding repairs run into four figures.
- Ignition system faults - misfire, poor hot starting, no sparkModerate
The S70 uses the same five-cylinder modular ignition as the late 850, and Volvo Owners' Club threads show owners chasing random misfires through cap, rotor, leads and finally the coil itself when a partial failure keeps the car running rough at low revs. The club’s ignition troubleshooting guide covers distributor shaft wear, amplifier (power stage) failure and Hall-sensor faults - all on this car - that leave you stranded after a hot soak. A methodical check with a spark tester sorts it for £150-£400 in most cases.
- Cambelt or timing belt failure on the five-cylinder engineSerious
The S70 shares the 850's transverse five-cylinder petrol engines, which are interference designs: a snapped or jumped cambelt stops the engine and typically bends valves and damages pistons. Volvo specified cambelt and tensioner renewal at around 60,000-80,000 miles or five years, and Volvo Owners Club threads describe S70 owners renewing belts late, with tensioner and idler bearing wear the usual warning signs. Belt wear is hidden behind the timing covers, so a missing belt history is the main risk when buying a used S70.
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