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Volvo XC90 Mk1 (2002-2014) reliability

At a glance

Volvo XC90 Mk1 built around 2014: about average at the MOT

Volvo XC90 Mk1 models built around 2014 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Volvo XC90 Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

24% of MOT tests on Volvo XC90 Mk1 models built around 2014 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volvo XC90 Mk1 models built around 2014 involves the tyres.

Volvo XC90 Mk1
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2002-2014SUVPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 40,285 tests of XC90 models registered 2002-2014.

About 1 in 15 XC90 Mk1 MOTs (6.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2014 (11 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 3,336 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 XC90 Mk1 MOTs (7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2014 (11 years old).

Based on 3,336 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
98424.1%
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.

How the XC90 Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the XC90 Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 41,738 tests across 10 Volvo models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolvo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
98424.1%
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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask 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 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.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

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.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the XC90 Mk1.

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 12.6%, against 23.8% for the Volvo XC90 Mk1, both built around 2014.

    1,893 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Honda CR-V

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    4.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Lower fail rate: 16.3%, against 23.8% for the Volvo XC90 Mk1, both built around 2014.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,553 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    BMW X5

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.6%

    Lower fail rate: 14.7%, against 23.8% for the Volvo XC90 Mk1, both built around 2014.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,967 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  4. 4

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    4.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 13.4%, against 23.8% for the Volvo XC90 Mk1, both built around 2014.

    2,345 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

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.

How many are still registered

96%of all Volvo XC90 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

4 of the 44 XC90 Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 recalls

Top concerns

  • The anchorage bolts for the second-row seat belts and seat belt buckles may not have been correctly secured. In a worst-
  • The engine's plastic inlet manifold may melt and deform
  • An engine cooling system hose may break

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

How XC90 Mk1 cars have aged

How XC90 Mk1 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.

0%10%20%30%79111315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (2,003 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (2,004 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (1,959 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (1,986 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (1,971 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (1,889 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.8% (1,781 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (1,765 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (1,744 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (1,693 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (2,375 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (2,343 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (2,278 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (2,173 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (2,128 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (3,729 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (3,622 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (3,429 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (3,376 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (3,172 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (5,512 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (5,405 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (5,095 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (4,883 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (4,507 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (2,336 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (2,212 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (2,096 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (1,873 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (1,677 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (1,594 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (1,530 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (1,403 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (1,255 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (1,135 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (2,945 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (2,602 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (2,288 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (1,995 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (1,659 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (2,929 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (2,679 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (2,211 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (1,750 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (1,412 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (3,699 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (3,248 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (2,690 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (2,184 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (1,728 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (2,867 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (2,319 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (1,782 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (1,324 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (960 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (1,009 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (759 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (557 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (390 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (318 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011
Mk1 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Volvo XC90 models of this age

This list covers every Volvo XC90 built around 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.

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

    24.9%
    Advisory: 1,236Fail: 92 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    15.7%
    Advisory: 823Fail: 80 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    12.0%
    Advisory: 569Fail: 9 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.0%
    Advisory: 205Fail: 36 (15% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Major

    Handbrake weaker than required

    5.8%
    Advisory: 29Fail: 168 (85% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,336 tests

Looking at a Volvo XC90 Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the Volvo XC90 Mk1 (2002-2014) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 3,336 11-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 40,285 MOT tests on Volvo XC90 models first registered between 2002-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.