2016 Volvo XC90 hybrid: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Volvo XC90 hybrid?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Volvo XC90 hybrid than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Track rod ends7.3× usual
  Volvo XC90

  16.9% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 1.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint4× usual
  Volvo XC90

  9.2% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Ball joint dust cover4× usual
  Volvo XC90

  4.8% All 2016 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Steering rack inner joints5× usual
  Volvo XC90

  3% All 2016 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2016 Volvo XC90 hybrid MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Volvo XC90 hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  29% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  18% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Seats and seatbelts
  5% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Known faults on the 2016 Volvo XC90 hybrid

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Many recalls (14)

  All engines

  Recalls covered airbags, seatbelts, power steering hoses, crankshafts that could cause engine failure, fuel and coolant hose leaks, a melting inlet manifold and software for engine power and emergency braking.

  At the viewing: Ask a Volvo dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC90 (Mk2, 2014 on) review

• Rear electric motor failure (T8)

  T8 plug-in hybrid

  If a T8 hesitates pulling away, the rear electric motor may be failing. Repairs cost over £3,000.

  At the viewing: Pull away gently and firmly several times.

  Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC90 (Mk2, 2014 on) review

• Electronic glitches

  All engines

  Electronic glitches are common.

  At the viewing: Test the screen, driver aids and every electrical item.

  Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC90 (Mk2, 2014 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Volvo XC90 hybrid

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Volvo dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Has the rear electric motor had any work?
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 7.3× as often on the 2016 Volvo XC90 hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2016 Volvo XC90 hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2016 Volvo XC90 hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?