2023 Volvo XC90 hybrid: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the hybrid Volvo XC90 first registered in 2023 (hybrid cars only): we looked at the 214 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 214 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2023 Volvo XC90 hybrid MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2023 Volvo XC90 hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres8% 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.
- Suspension1% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors1% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Brakes1% 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.
Known faults on the 2023 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.
- All engines
Many recalls (14)
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.
- T8 plug-in hybrid
Rear electric motor failure (T8)
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.
- All engines
Electronic glitches
Electronic glitches are common.
At the viewing: Test the screen, driver aids and every electrical item.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 Volvo XC90 hybrid
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done? Can a Volvo dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Has the rear electric motor had any work?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volvo XC90?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volvo XC90 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 6,483 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 13,349 | Tyres 29% |
| 2020 | 14,687 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 21,358 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 18,591 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 16,415 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 15,601 | Suspension 28% |
| 2015 | 8,092 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 6,830 | Tyres 30% |
| 2013 | 7,198 | Brakes 30% |
| 2012 | 8,720 | Brakes 31% |
| 2011 | 12,594 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 2010 | 17,542 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2009 | 9,753 | Suspension 41% |
| 2008 | 4,711 | Suspension 48% |
| 2007 | 7,367 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 7,127 | Suspension 53% |
| 2005 | 8,931 | Suspension 57% |
| 2004 | 6,386 | Suspension 58% |
| 2003 | 2,039 | Suspension 60% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volvo XC90 cars first registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score