Used car guide · 2003–2026

Volvo XC90 common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Volvo XC90, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 214,062 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 2026 Volvo XC90

Cars registered in 2026 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Volvo XC90 as a whole.

4,553registered new in 2026 so far
2029first MOT due
Plug-in hybridmost common fuel (also diesel)
What to check on a 2026 car
  • Warranty left

    Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.

  • Servicing

    Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.

  • Finance

    Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

  • Recalls

    Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.

  • Logbook (V5C)

    The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.

Check for recalls on GOV.UK

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

202620252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003

What usually goes wrong with a Volvo XC90?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Geartronic gearbox failure

    Cars registered 2003–2014 · Automatic

    The Geartronic automatic can fail expensively, especially on cars that have towed heavily.

    At the viewing: After 30 minutes' driving, feel for clunks or odd changes.

    Source: Parkers: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014) used review

  • Timing belt tensioners and injectors (D5 diesel)

    Cars registered 2003–2014 · D5 diesel

    D5 diesels can throw their belts if the tensioners and pulleys aren't renewed (Parkers suggests around 60,000 miles), and injectors can fail expensively.

    At the viewing: Ask for timing belt invoices, and look for smoke, erratic revs or poor starting.

    Source: Parkers: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014) used review

  • Many recalls (14)

    Cars registered 2015–2025 · 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)

    Cars registered 2015–2025 · 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

  • Four-wheel-drive angle gear failure

    Cars registered 2003–2014 · AWD

    The angle gear and sleeve can fail, leaving it in two-wheel drive.

    At the viewing: Ask a specialist to check the four-wheel-drive system.

    Source: Parkers: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014) used review

  • Suspension, power steering and brakes

    Cars registered 2003–2014 · All engines

    It's hard on suspension parts, the power steering pump can leak, and brakes wear quickly.

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks, turn lock to lock, and test the handbrake.

    Source: Parkers: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014) used review

  • Electrical faults from water

    Cars registered 2003–2014 · All engines

    A pollen filter cover fault can let water into the electrics.

    At the viewing: Test every electrical item.

    Source: Parkers: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014) used review

  • Electronic glitches

    Cars registered 2015–2025 · 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

Common Volvo XC90 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

  • Ball joint

    up to 4.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

    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.

  • Number plates

    up to 4.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Steering rack inner joints

    up to 3.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

    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.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 2.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Brake pads

    up to 2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

    Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 5.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2016 and 2017.

    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.

Diesel

  • Ball joint

    up to 7.5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

    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 joints

    up to 6.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2015 and 2016.

    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.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 3.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Number plates

    up to 2.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Brake pads

    up to 3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

    Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

  • Headlights

    up to 1.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Hybrid

  • Ball joint

    up to 6.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022.

    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.

  • Number plates

    up to 3.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 7.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2016 and 2017.

    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 joint dust cover

    up to 4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2016 and 2017.

    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.

Volvo XC90 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2012 Volvo XC90 did best (70% passed first time, 6 points above all 2012 cars) and the 2005 did worst (55%, 2 points below all 2005 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202395%92% +3288 (small sample)
202288%89% -16,483
202187%87% +013,349
202087%87% +014,687
201986%85% +121,358
201885%83% +218,591
201783%80% +316,415
201679%77% +215,601
201579%74% +58,092
201471%70% +16,830
201370%67% +37,198
201270%64% +68,720
201164%62% +212,594
201063%60% +317,542
200962%59% +39,753
200860%57% +34,711
200757%57% +07,367
200657%56% +17,127
200555%57% -28,931
200455%57% -26,386
200354%57% -32,039

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Volvo XC90

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

  1. Has the gearbox fluid been changed, and has it towed?
  2. When were the timing belt and tensioners changed?
  3. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Volvo dealer confirm from the VIN?
  4. Has the rear electric motor had any work?
  5. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the Volvo XC90 as on other cars the same age.)
  6. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the Volvo XC90 as on other cars the same age.)

Looking at a Volvo XC90?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score