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Volvo XC90 Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Volvo XC90 (2002–present).

MOT Pass Rate

80.5%1.5% below national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Good — based on approx. 22,000 tests

Dangerous Defects

1.70%

Moderate risk

Retest Rate

13.2%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

14.8%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

14.5%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

12.2%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

9.8%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

8.0%

Where Faults Occur

29.0%

Front

29.0%

Rear

22.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

26,000 mi

At 5 years

44,000 mi

At 10 years

85,000 mi

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Volvo XC90 a Good Buy?

The Volvo XC90 demonstrates above-average reliability based on MOT test data, with a 80.5% pass rate. This places it 1.5% above the national average, suggesting lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to many competitors.

While no car is without faults, lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues are the most common concern, affecting approximately 14.8% of failed tests. These tend to be relatively affordable to fix at £30–£150.

Volvo XC90 MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Volvo XC90.

View Volvo XC90 MOT Data

Check a Specific Volvo XC90

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Volvo XC90.

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Other Volvo Models

Volvo XC60

83.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Volvo V40

81.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Volvo XC40

86.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Volvo V60

82.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Volvo S60

81.0%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Volvo V70

76.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Volvo models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Volvo XC90?
The top MOT failure on the Volvo XC90 is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 14.8% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Volvo XC90 MOT pass rate?
The Volvo XC90 has an estimated MOT pass rate of 80.5%, which is 1.5% below the national average of 82%. This rates the Volvo XC90 as "Good" for MOT reliability.
Is the Volvo XC90 reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Volvo XC90 has a good reliability record with a 80.5% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 1.70% and a retest rate of 13.2%.
How much does it cost to fix common Volvo XC90 MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Volvo XC90 MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Volvo XC90 have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Volvo XC90 covers approximately 26,000 mi by 3 years, 44,000 mi by 5 years, and 85,000 mi by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Volvo XC90?
The Volvo XC90 is generally a solid choice based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
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