Volvo S90 Mk2 (2016-present) reliability
Volvo S90 Mk2 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Volvo S90 Mk2 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Volvo S90 Mk2?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
12% of MOT tests on Volvo S90 Mk2 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 14% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Volvo S90 Mk2 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 8,618 tests of S90 models registered 2016+.
About 1 in 40 S90 Mk2 MOTs (2.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 2,355 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 15 S90 Mk2 MOTs (5.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 2,355 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk2 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 9 years old.
How the S90 Mk2 compares
At each age below, see how the S90 Mk2 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 51,946 tests across 8 Volvo models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the S90 Mk2.
- 1
Audi A6
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.2%
- Dangerous
- 4.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.1%
Fewer dangerous faults: 4.7%, against 5.9% for the Volvo S90 Mk2.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
10,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Jaguar XE
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.6%
- Dangerous
- 6%
No clear edge over the Volvo S90 Mk2 on these figures.
8,135 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
BMW 5 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3.6%
- Dangerous
- 4.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 82.6%
Fewer dangerous faults: 4.9%, against 5.9% for the Volvo S90 Mk2.
12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
19,436 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Audi A4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 17.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3.4%
- Dangerous
- 5.4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 85%
Fewer dangerous faults: 5.4%, against 5.9% for the Volvo S90 Mk2.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
21,428 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
18 recalls in all15 of the 18 S90 Mk2 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 Critical
- 13 more
Top concerns
- SPA1 cell modules
- A software error may prevent the engine control module from starting the engine
- BCM2 SW – safety notice
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on S90 Mk2 cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 183 cars.
How S90 Mk2 cars have aged
How S90 Mk2 cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Mk2 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk2 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 5% | 5% | 13% |
| Brakes | 17% | 14% | 22% |
| Emissions | 2% | 1% | 5% |
| Tyres | 20% | 24% | 26% |
| Lighting | 2% | 4% | 3% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | No figure | 3% |
| Steering | No figure | 1% | No figure |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 1% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 83 to 183 cars at each age.
Mk2 variants compared
Most common issues on Volvo S90 models of this age
This list covers every Volvo S90 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 119.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 214.8%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 36.8%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 46.0%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 54.6%Advisory
Track rod end ball joint has slight play
Based on 2,355 tests
Looking at a Volvo S90 Mk2?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Volvo S90 Mk2 (2016-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,355 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.