2012 Volvo XC90: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Volvo XC90 first registered in 2012: we looked at the 8,720 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Volvo XC90?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Volvo XC90 than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Steering rack inner joints4.6× usualVolvo XC909.2% All 2012 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Coil springs: 3.2% here, against 8.5% of all 2012 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 0.6% here, against 5% of all 2012 cars.
Common 2012 Volvo XC90 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Volvo XC90 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes31% 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.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Suspension24% 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 electrics19% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Steering11% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults on the 2012 Volvo XC90
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.
- Automatic
Geartronic gearbox failure
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.
- D5 diesel
Timing belt tensioners and injectors (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.
- AWD
Four-wheel-drive angle gear failure
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.
- All engines
Suspension, power steering and brakes
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.
- All engines
Electrical faults from water
A pollen filter cover fault can let water into the electrics.
At the viewing: Test every electrical item.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volvo XC90
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the gearbox fluid been changed, and has it towed?
- When were the timing belt and tensioners changed?
- Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2012 Volvo XC90 as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
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
Every year of the Volvo XC90 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 306 | Tyres 10% |
| 2022 | 6,486 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 13,353 | Tyres 29% |
| 2020 | 14,687 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 21,358 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 18,594 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 16,415 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 15,601 | Suspension 28% |
| 2015 | 8,099 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 6,844 | Tyres 30% |
| 2013 | 7,213 | Tyres 30% |
| 2011 | 12,594 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 2010 | 17,542 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2009 | 9,753 | Suspension 41% |
| 2008 | 4,711 | Suspension 48% |
| 2007 | 7,367 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 7,127 | Suspension 53% |
| 2005 | 8,931 | Suspension 57% |
| 2004 | 6,386 | Suspension 58% |
| 2003 | 2,039 | Suspension 60% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volvo XC90 cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score