Volvo XC90 MOT pass rate and common problems
80.2% of 109,941 Volvo XC90 MOT tests pass.
The XC90's pass rate of 80.2% is in line with the average across all Volvo models, at 80.1%.
The Volvo XC90's pass rate of 80.2% is in line with the national average for cars, at 79.2%.
Own this Volvo XC90?
This is the average across every Volvo XC90 in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Volvo’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Volvo XC90 tested at 0–3 years pass 90.9% of the time, compared with just 66.5% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 90.9% | 5,026 | 32,674 miles |
| 3–6 years | 89.7% | 27,479 | 48,988 miles |
| 6–10 years | 85.2% | 28,033 | 79,051 miles |
| 10–15 years | 74.3% | 28,234 | 122,146 miles |
| 15+ years | 66.5% | 21,169 | 151,634 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Volvo XC90
The most common reason the Volvo XC90 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 56.7% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 56.7% | Not working |
| Brakes | 46.9% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Tyres | 27.8% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Suspension | 25.4% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Visibility | 9.9% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Steering | 9.1% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Body, chassis, structure | 7.2% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.6% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 2.0% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Volvo XC90: what to check
These checks follow the Volvo XC90’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Volvo XC90 comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 85.2% to 74.3%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 76.9% down to 69.4%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 56.7% of failed Volvo XC90 MOTs. 35.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.6% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 46.9% of failed Volvo XC90 MOTs. 25.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 1.1% at 0–3 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
3. Tyres
Recorded in 27.8% of failed Volvo XC90 MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
4. Suspension
Recorded in 25.4% of failed Volvo XC90 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 19.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 9.9% of failed Volvo XC90 MOTs. 4.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 1.4% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Volvo service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Volvo models
- Volvo XC60 — 85.1% pass rate
- Volvo V40 — 77.8% pass rate
- Volvo XC40 — 92.6% pass rate
- Volvo V70 — 70.6% pass rate
- Volvo V60 — 82.6% pass rate
- Volvo V50 — 62.3% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Volvo XC90?
- 80.2% of Volvo XC90 MOT tests pass, based on 109,941 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Volvo XC90?
- The most common reason the Volvo XC90 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 56.7% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Volvo XC90?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Volvo XC90 are lights and electrics; brakes; tyres. 35.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.6% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Volvo XC90?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; tyres; suspension; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Volvo XC90's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Volvo service history guide for how to check and keep one.