Volvo XC90 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Volvo XC90?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Geartronic gearbox failure

  Cars registered 2003–2014 · Automatic

  The Geartronic automatic can fail expensively, especially on cars that have towed heavily.

  At the viewing: After 30 minutes' driving, feel for clunks or odd changes.

  Source: Parkers: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014) used review

• Timing belt tensioners and injectors (D5 diesel)

  Cars registered 2003–2014 · D5 diesel

  D5 diesels can throw their belts if the tensioners and pulleys aren't renewed (Parkers suggests around 60,000 miles), and injectors can fail expensively.

  At the viewing: Ask for timing belt invoices, and look for smoke, erratic revs or poor starting.

  Source: Parkers: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014) used review

• Many recalls (14)

  Cars registered 2015–2025 · 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)

  Cars registered 2015–2025 · 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

• Four-wheel-drive angle gear failure

  Cars registered 2003–2014 · AWD

  The angle gear and sleeve can fail, leaving it in two-wheel drive.

  At the viewing: Ask a specialist to check the four-wheel-drive system.

  Source: Parkers: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014) used review

• Suspension, power steering and brakes

  Cars registered 2003–2014 · All engines

  It's hard on suspension parts, the power steering pump can leak, and brakes wear quickly.

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks, turn lock to lock, and test the handbrake.

  Source: Parkers: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014) used review

• Electrical faults from water

  Cars registered 2003–2014 · All engines

  A pollen filter cover fault can let water into the electrics.

  At the viewing: Test every electrical item.

  Source: Parkers: Volvo XC90 (2002-2014) used review

• Electronic glitches

  Cars registered 2015–2025 · 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

Common Volvo XC90 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Steering rack inner joints

  up to 5.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Number plates

  up to 3.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 3.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Sidelights

  up to 2.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014.

  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.

• Ball joint

  up to 6.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022.

  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.

• Sub-frame

  up to 2.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Volvo XC90 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2012 Volvo XC90 did best (70% passed first time, 6 points above all 2012 cars) and the 2005 did worst (55%, 2 points below all 2005 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Volvo XC90

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

1. Has the gearbox fluid been changed, and has it towed?
2. When were the timing belt and tensioners changed?
3. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Volvo dealer confirm from the VIN?
4. Has the rear electric motor had any work?
5. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the Volvo XC90 as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the number plates? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the Volvo XC90 as on other cars the same age.)