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Volvo XC90 Mk2 (2015-present) reliability

At a glance

Volvo XC90 Mk2 built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Volvo XC90 Mk2 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Volvo XC90 Mk2?

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

Key figure

14% of MOT tests on Volvo XC90 Mk2 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 Mk2 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Volvo XC90 Mk2
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2015-presentSUVPETROL / DIESEL / HYBRID ELECTRIC / UNKNOWN

Based on 49,276 tests of XC90 models registered 2015+.

About 1 in 40 XC90 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 6,972 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 Mk2 MOTs (6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 6,972 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

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
7,52711.4%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
7,00811.1%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
6,71712.4%
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
1,40916.0%

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 XC90 Mk2 compares

At each age below, see how the XC90 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).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolvo average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
7,52711.4%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
7,00811.1%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
6,71712.4%
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
1,40916.0%

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 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.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the XC90 Mk2.

  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 Mk2, 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 Mk2, 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 Mk2, 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 Mk2, 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.

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

25 of the 44 XC90 Mk2 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 23 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.

What has gone wrong on XC90 Mk2 cars built around 2018

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 350 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
6%
Suspension
4%

Wear items

Tyres
24%
Brakes
19%
Lighting
3%
How XC90 Mk2 cars have aged

How XC90 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.

0%10%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (5,540 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (5,065 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (4,258 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (3,796 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (3,593 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (6,031 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (5,519 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (5,106 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (4,949 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (5,265 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (4,896 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (4,579 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (4,465 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (4,326 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (4,379 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (4,224 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (4,050 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (3,925 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (3,790 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (3,904 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (3,833 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (3,754 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (3,658 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (3,571 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (1,756 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (1,685 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (1,629 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (1,473 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (1,409 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2021First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018
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 car6 years7 years8 years
Suspension4%4%11%
Brakes23%19%21%
Emissions4%6%4%
Tyres20%24%24%
Lighting4%3%6%

Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 183 to 350 cars at each age.

Mk2 variants compared

XC90 Mk2 variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each XC90 Mk2 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • XC9014.3%5,068 tests

Hybrid electric

  • XC9013.9%1,410 tests

Petrol

  • XC9013.9%489 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Volvo XC90 models of this age

This list covers every Volvo XC90 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

  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 tests

Looking at a Volvo XC90 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 XC90 Mk2 (2015-present) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 6,972 7-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 49,276 MOT tests on Volvo XC90 models first registered from 2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.