Used car guide

2018 Volvo S90: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Volvo S90s, from 2,466 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,466MOT tests in 2025
88%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 81%)
10,100typical miles a year
2.1×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2018 Volvo S90s than on all cars registered in 2018.

  • Track rod ends2.1× usual
    Volvo S90
    3.5% All 2018 cars
    1.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.8% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
    Volvo S90
    3.1% All 2018 cars
    1.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Ball joint2.2× usual
    Volvo S90
    2.8% All 2018 cars
    1.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.6% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

By area

The share of 2018 Volvo S90 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    25% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    21% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    10% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    3% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Lights and electrics
    3% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20201,010Tyres 26%
20192,095Tyres 26%
20171,384Tyres 25%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 Volvo S90s registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score