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Volvo XC90 reliability by build year

Coverage 2002-present3 named generationsluxury SUVSUVDIESEL / PETROL / HYBRID ELECTRIC / UNKNOWN
At a glance

Volvo XC90 built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Volvo XC90 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Check a Volvo XC90 by number plate

Key figure

14% of MOT tests on Volvo XC90 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volvo XC90 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Volvo XC90's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your XC90's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

XC90 Mk2

Mk2 (2015-present)

Too close to call between ratings
PETROLDIESELHYBRID ELECTRICUNKNOWN

14.2% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

From 6,972 MOT tests at this ageView details →
XC90 Mk1

Mk1 (2002-2014)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROLDIESEL

23.8% fail rate, built around 2013 (12 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 26.3%)

From 1,549 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Volvo XC90.

See every build year for the Volvo XC90

Side-by-side

Volvo XC90 generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
Mk2 (2015-present)
No ratingToo close to call between ratings
No ratingToo close to call between ratings14.2%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 6,972 MOT tests at this age
Mk1 (2002-2014)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate23.8%built around 2013 (12 years old)from 1,549 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the XC90, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Volvo XC90 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Volvo XC90 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
4,18911.1%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
4,30311.2%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
5,82412.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
7,78912.5%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
6,97214.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
6,45115.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
5,40316.8%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,39619.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
3,33623.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
3,24223.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,43925.4%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
6,22127.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
6,92528.3%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
2,49528.7%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,34331.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2,88131.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
2,93832.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
2,85732.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,30632.7%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
31831.4%

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 21 years old.

Where it ranks

Where the Volvo XC90 stacks up

Three ways to compare the same cars, built around 2018 (7 years old). The fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests, and 1st has the lowest fail rate. Only models with at least 500 MOT tests at this age are ranked. How we count fail rates

Against other Volvo models

4th of 8

4th lowest fail rate of 8 Volvo models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

In the middle third

Against other SUVs

43rd of 89

43rd lowest fail rate of 89 SUVs with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

In the middle third

Against the UK average

14.2%

The share of this model's MOT tests at this age that ended in a fail.

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Volvo XC90 models

These issues come from 7-year-old Volvo XC90 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    16.8%
    Advisory: 1,723Fail: 123 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.6%
    Advisory: 1,120Fail: 229 (17% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    8.4%
    Advisory: 663Fail: 181 (21% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    8.2%
    Advisory: 810Fail: 144 (15% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    5.4%
    Advisory: 313Fail: 198 (39% of the times it was found)

Based on 6,972 MOT tests on 7-year-old Volvo XC90 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Volvo XC90 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelPlenty of data
  1. Brakes + Tyres33%
  2. Suspension + Tyres22%
  3. Other + Tyres18%
  4. Brakes + Suspension16%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 1,756 MOT tests on Volvo XC90 cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

96%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

44 recalls in all

26 of the 44 Volvo XC90 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 24 more

Top concerns

  • SPA1 cell modules
  • A software error may prevent the engine control module from starting the engine
  • Front seat belts

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs to compare

  1. 1

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 14.2% for the Volvo XC90, both built around 2018.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 14.2% for the Volvo XC90, both built around 2018.

    1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Skoda Karoq

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    Lower fail rate: 10.3%, against 14.2% for the Volvo XC90, both built around 2018.

    8,610 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.5%, against 14.2% for the Volvo XC90, both built around 2018.

    4,706 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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Volvo XC90 across all generations combined fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. It has the 4th lowest fail rate of 8 Volvo models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 6,972 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Volvo XC90 ever sold: 89,564 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 6,972 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.