Used car guide

2023 Volvo XC90: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Volvo XC90s, from 237 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 237 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

237MOT tests in 2025
94%pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%)
10,000typical miles a year
12%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2023 Volvo XC90 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    12% 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
    3% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Suspension
    1% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% 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
    1% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Known faults

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Many recalls (14)
    All engines

    Recalls covered airbags, seatbelts, power steering hoses, crankshafts that could cause engine failure, fuel and coolant hose leaks, a melting inlet manifold and software for engine power and emergency braking.

    At the viewing: Ask a Volvo dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

    Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC90 (Mk2, 2014 on) review

  • Rear electric motor failure (T8)
    T8 plug-in hybrid

    If a T8 hesitates pulling away, the rear electric motor may be failing. Repairs cost over £3,000.

    At the viewing: Pull away gently and firmly several times.

    Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC90 (Mk2, 2014 on) review

  • Electronic glitches
    All engines

    Electronic glitches are common.

    At the viewing: Test the screen, driver aids and every electrical item.

    Source: Auto Express: used Volvo XC90 (Mk2, 2014 on) review

Looking at a Volvo XC90?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20226,274Tyres 29%
20216,786Tyres 28%
20204,839Tyres 30%
20197,095Tyres 29%
20186,228Tyres 27%
20175,495Tyres 28%
20165,220Suspension 31%
20152,714Tyres 28%
20142,268Tyres 30%
20132,396Brakes 30%
20122,859Brakes 33%
20114,096Suspension 34%
20105,552Suspension 38%
20093,021Suspension 46%
20081,392Suspension 52%
20072,096Suspension 54%
20061,947Suspension 56%
20052,374Suspension 59%
20041,561Suspension 60%
2003500Suspension 63%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 Volvo XC90s registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score