2017 Volvo V90: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Volvo V90?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Volvo V90 than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.6× usual
  Volvo V90

  4% All 2017 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.6% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  Volvo V90

  4.2% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.6% of all 2017 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.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Volvo V90

  3.3% All 2017 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.7% of all 2017 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.

• Sidelights2.5× usual
  Volvo V90

  2% All 2017 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2017 Volvo V90 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Volvo V90 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% 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
  20% 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
  14% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  5% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  4% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Volvo V90

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2017 Volvo V90 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2017 Volvo V90 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2017 Volvo V90 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?